Representation aiding: complementary decision support for a complex, dynamic control task

Representation aiding, a form of decision support that relies heavily, although not exclusively, on computer graphics is discussed. The design of successful representation aids depends on the tasks to be performed and characteristics of human cognition and perception. Issues in design are discussed with reference to a set of representation aids that were developed for a particularly difficult task involving the manual start-up of a nuclear reactor. The results of a research program to evaluate these representation aids are described. Representation aiding is contrasted to complementary forms of decision support.<>