Abstract:

The successful adaptation of human operators to changing demands is a critical activity in maintaining performance in complex human-machine systems. Some models are presented outlining how operators adapt to such changing demands. Of particular relevance in this context is the design of automation to support such adaptive processes (e.g., adaptive and adaptable automation).

Outcome measures are shown, which are considered to be suitable indicators for capturing processes of operator adaptation. The results from a number of experiments are presented, which examined the utility of various options to provide support to the human operator during task completion in human-machine systems that are characterised by multiple task demands.