Cognitive Systems Engineering [Hardcover]

Jens Rasmussen (Author), Annelise Mark Pejtersen (Author), L. P. Goodstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0471011983 | ISBN-13: 978-0471011989 | Publication Date: August 2, 1994 | Edition: 1

The first comprehensive guide to designing highly usable, fully integrated computer-based information systems. Traditional human-computer interaction (HCI) and system design models have proven too narrow to adequately assess user needs and to design usable and efficient computer-based information support systems. Taking modeling concepts from engineering, psychology, cognitive science, information science, and computer science, cognitive systems engineering (CSE) provides a much broader, more dynamic framework. This book is the first comprehensive guide to the emerging new field of cognitive systems engineering. Throughout, the emphasis is on powerful analytical techniques that enhance the systems designer's ability to see the "big picture," and to design for all crucial aspects of human-work interaction. Applicable to highly structured technical systems such as process plants, as well as less structured user-driven systems like libraries, these analytical techniques form the basis for the design and design evaluation guidelines that make up the bulk of this book. The authors also provide a chapter-length case history in which they chronicle the success of their approach when applied to a full-scale software design project.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A profusely illustrated work based on the viewpoint that cognitive systems engineering should be considered as a cross-disciplinary marketplace. Deals with human-work design in a systematic manner. Demonstrates the cognitive systems engineering approach, enabling readers to apply the ideas in their own areas. Provides the foundation for structuring evaluation efforts and indicates the need for further work, cooperation and consensus. Features numerous examples to facilitate understanding.

From the Inside Flap

Powerful information technologies and the complex support systems they engender are evolving faster than people’s ability to adjust to them. In the workplace, this leads to troublesome task performance, added stress on users, increased organizational inefficiency, and, in some cases, a heightened risk of wide-scale .disaster. In the marketplace, it makes for consumer dissatisfaction. Clearly, traditional human-computer interaction (HCI) and system design (SD) solutions to this dilemma have proven woefully inadequate. What is needed is a fresh multidisciplinary approach offering a broader, more dynamic framework for assessing needs and designing usable, efficient systems. Taking modeling concepts from engineering, psychology, cognitive science, information science, and computer science, cognitive systems engineering (CSE) provides such a framework. This book is the first comprehensive guide to the emerging new field of CSE. Providing equal parts theory and practice, it is based on the authors’ many years of experience with work systems in a wide range of work domains, including process control, manufacturing, hospitals, and libraries. Throughout, the emphasis is on powerful analytical techniques that enhance the systems designer’s ability to see the "big picture," and to design for all crucial aspects of human-work interaction. Applicable to highly structured technical systems such as process plants, as well as less structured user-driven systems like libraries, these analytical techniques form the basis for the evaluation and design guidelines that make up the bulk of this book. And since the proof is in the pudding, the authors provide a chapter-length case history in which they demonstrate the success of their approach when applied to a full-scale software design project. The project, a retrieval system for public libraries, is described in detail, from field studies to concept validation experiments, and, of course, the empirical evaluation of the system while in use by the library users and personnel. Computer-based information systems are rapidly becoming a fundamental part of the human landscape. How that landscape evolves over the next decade or so, whether it becomes a hostile one or one that generously supports the needs of future generations, is in the hands of all those involved with the study and design of information systems.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 396 pages
• Publisher: Wiley-Interscience; 1 edition (August 2, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471011983
• ISBN-13: 978-0471011989
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,128,852 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars a deep and wide-ranging discussion of human-computer interac, March 8, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Cognitive Systems Engineering (Hardcover)

Written by 3 leading experts from Denmark's Riso National Laboratory, this book contains a deep and wide-ranging discussion of human-computer-interaction, especially with regard to the design of information systems. Included are chapters on work domain/task situation/ user profile combinations, methodolgies, ecological information systems, activity analysis, and field studies in libraries

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too Dense Not for a Beginner, March 14, 2009

By 

Samuel Clements (Midwest) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Cognitive Systems Engineering (Hardcover)

You need to read some other books first if you want to get much out of this book.