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Modelling motivations, tasks and human errors in a risk-based perspective

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Abstract

This paper discusses the modelling architectures of human–machine interaction (HMI) and the human error models implemented to support design and safety assessment of modern highly automated systems. In particular, the architecture of a joint cognitive model, which accounts for motivational and descriptive aspects and enables to predict dynamic HMI, is revised in detail, on the basis of a previously formulated paradigm of a causal structure of categories of human model (Carsten 2007). Then, an error generation model is associated with this human model architecture and can be utilised in risk-based design methodologies. These approaches share a common crucial issue, that is, the need of specific data and empirical correlations obtained from field observations and from reports of end-users. Ways and means to overcome this important bottleneck reside primarily in the improvement of the safety culture at society and organisation level.

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Acknowledgments

The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Commission Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007–2013) under grant agreements no 218552 Project ISi-PADAS and no 218496 Project ITERATE. The authors are very grateful to all the colleagues of the two above-mentioned projects for their support and collaboration.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dip. di Ing. Aerospaziale, Politecnico Milano, Via La Masa 34, 20156, Milano, Italy

    P. C. Cacciabue

  2. KITE Solutions, Via Labiena 93, 21014, Laveno Mombello, VA, Italy

    M. Cassani

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  1. P. C. Cacciabue
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  2. M. Cassani
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Correspondence to P. C. Cacciabue.

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Cacciabue, P.C., Cassani, M. Modelling motivations, tasks and human errors in a risk-based perspective. Cogn Tech Work 14, 229–241 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-011-0205-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10111-011-0205-4

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