Talk Topic: Understanding and Organizing the Work Domain to Effecitvely Inform System Design
Thomas R. Aten & Dr. Lawrence Wolpert, Aptima
June 11, 2008

Abstract
System design and its resulting UI are informed through the generation of requirements through interviews with current and future system users. The type of information obtained and the organization of the resulting information can affect the design process in terms of how easily requirements are identified and the effectiveness of the resulting UI. Aptima's experience with various techniques in analyzing the work domain allows for the production of artifacts that can inform effective system ad UI design. This presentation provides insight into the need for the development of such artifacts and how they effectively support design. 

Bio
Thomas R. Aten is a Human Factors Analyst in the Human-Automation Interaction Interface Design team at Aptima. Mr. Aten has over six years experience related to human-centered engineering, providing expertise in user needs and analysis, interface and interaction design, utility and usability evaluations, and human performance measurement development. While at Aptima, Mr. Aten has managed projects related to the design of unique information systems and information visualizations for assisting with decision making in mission critical environments such as Missile Defense and MOUT execution with robotic systems as force multipliers. He has provided up-front analyses and interactive design/usability evaluation expertise for a variety of web, desktop, and handheld applications. Mr. Aten has also performed human system integration (HSI) evaluations regarding the effectiveness of complex robotic and wearable soldier system in assisting soldiers with the preparation and execution of missions. He has also worked towards the development and analysis of human performance measures, including measures to assess the impact of changes to submarine Tactical Control Systems on Fire Control Team performance. Mr. Aten received a M.S. in Applied Psychology, specializing in Human Factors, and a B.S. in Psychology from Clemson University. He is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.

Dr. Lawrence Wolpert is the Director of the Cognitive Systems Engineering Division, and has been with Aptima for the past two years. Prior to that, he amassed over 20 years' experience leading human systems integration (HSI) research and development in applied, academic, and military environments for Northrop Grumman Corp. He has managed all aspects of HSI (manpower, personnel, training, ergonomics, human factors engineering, safety, habitability and survivability) on multiple federal programs and conducted research in visual perception and simulation. Dr. Wolpert provides cognitive systems engineering support as well as usability evaluation and assessment. Dr. Wolpert holds a M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Ohio State University, and a B.A. in Psychology from Tel Aviv University. He is a member of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society.