INSTrumental Interfaces for Layered Sensing (INSTILS)

Irregular warfare and the increased pace of operations have drastically reduced the time available for tactical responses, resulting in the shift of power to the tactical edge. As decision making responsibilities are pushed down the command chain, warfighters at every echelon require situational awareness so their decisions bring about the desired effects. The concept of Layered Sensing (LS) has been created in response to this need. To support LS, we propose to design and demonstrate INSTrumental Interfaces for Layered Sensing (INSTILS). Three core components will characterize our effort: One, we will apply Cognitive Systems Engineering methods to understand the tasks, tools, and information employed by decision makers in different roles and echelons. Two, we will use the results of the CSE effort to define and identify opportunities for tools to support decision makers across each of the four critical functions of intelligence analysis captured in the support function model. Three, we will design and demonstrate an integrated set of interfaces that enable LS across all of these functions. Four, we will design training methods and measures of effectiveness for these interfaces based on the cognitive tasks required of decision makers in LS. BENEFIT: Interfaces to support Layered Sensing and tailored to cognitive demands provide an important, and as yet unrealized, capability for warfighters not only in the Air Force, but in other services and in the Intelligence Community. In addition, the interfaces and capabilities developed in this effort can be applied to business intelligence efforts. Finally, we plan to use the additional visualization modules, enhanced tools for display customization, and data and system integration capabilities developed under this effort to enhance Charles River Analytics’ in-house rich application platform, Metronome™, thereby increasing its value in Government and commercial applications.