Systems usability framework for evaluating tools in safety–critical work

This paper presents a methodology with which evaluation of control rooms in safety–critical industry has been carried out. The results of two cases of evaluation in nuclear power plants (NPP) are presented to elaborate the method thoroughly. The evaluation methodology draws from conventions of human...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCognition, technology & work Vol. 15; no. 3; pp. 255 - 275
Main Authors Savioja, Paula, Norros, Leena
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London Springer London 01.08.2013
Springer
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects
Aerospace Technology and Astronautics
Automotive Engineering
Biological and medical sciences
Case studies
Cognitive Psychology
Computer Science
Ergonomics. Human factors
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Medicine/Public Health
Nuclear power plants
Occupational psychology
Original Article
Process controls
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Safety
User Interfaces and Human Computer Interaction
Control room
Evaluation
Contextual approach
Activity theory
Process control
Context
Human
Methodology
Theory
Activity
Cognition
Nuclear power plant
Safety
Usability
Tool
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Summary:This paper presents a methodology with which evaluation of control rooms in safety–critical industry has been carried out. The results of two cases of evaluation in nuclear power plants (NPP) are presented to elaborate the method thoroughly. The evaluation methodology draws from conventions of human factors and usability evaluation methods but adds an activity theoretical viewpoint by considering different control room functions in a purposeful activity system. A control room has three functions in an activity: instrument, psychological tool, and a communicative tool. The introduced evaluation approach allows understanding of quality of the control room on the level of outcomes it produces, work practices that it consolidates, and the user experience it creates. The evaluation approach is demonstrated by presenting baseline evaluations of two hybrid NPP control rooms that were carried out before major upgrade projects were implemented. Hybrid control room refers to a state in which modern and original hardwired technological solutions are in use simultaneously.
ISSN:1435-5558
1435-5566
DOI:10.1007/s10111-012-0224-9