A Consideration of Design Approaches Based on Cognitive Work Analysis: System Design and Integrated System Design

This paper examines the relationships and distinctions between existing design approaches based on cognitive work analysis (CWA). Emphasis is placed on considering the use of CWA for system design, as outlined by Vicente [18], and for integrated system design, as called for by Vicente [19] and developed by Naikar and Elix [8,9]. Of note are some key distinctions in the perspectives of integrated system design. Specifically, although it was not Vicente's [19] intention to provide a comprehensive discussion, a clear difference between his approach and the one Naikar and Elix [8,9] propose concerns the level of integration. In the former, the designs of various system elements, such as the interfaces and teams, would be integrated in relation to a reduced space of possibilities for action. This shortcoming arises because the designs would be confined to organisational structures prevalent in recurring situations and potentially restricted by the design decided for the team. Such an approach could inhibit a system's inherent capacity for adaptation.