Beyond knobs and dials: toward an intentional model of man-machine interaction

Several critical cognitive dimensions which limit human decision making in reactive environments such as air-to-air combat are investigated. It is noted that future air battles will challenge pilots´ abilities to cope with sophisticated, numerically superior adversaries. Aircrews will have to perform critical tasks while meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving and uncertain tactical situation. Human cognitive processes are limited by processing bandwidth, data fidelity, and situation-dependent stresses. Rigidly structured human-machine interfaces may diminish aircrew performance because they do not account for individual differences in cognitive approach. It is argued that automation and new concepts in display design are not the answer. However, results from human factors and cognitive psychology suggest a solution: intelligent intent-driven systems whose response characteristics match knowledge-based schemata compatible with pilots´ mental models of their tasks