The Identification and Implementation of a Cognitive Metrics Suite for the Evaluation and Design of Tools to Enhance Warfighter Job Performance

Naval systems of the future will be more multi-functional resulting in a higher cognitive demand on the operator. Furthermore, future systems will permit dramatic reductions in manpower that will require even more care in function allocation and willfurther increase cognitive demands on the operator.With highly technological systems implemented to enhance task performance it is essential to evaluate each component of the system for its cognitive requirements so it will accurately aid the operator in their performance. We will test the feasibility ofidentifying cognitive requirements using Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA). A basis for defining and developing cognitive measurements for technologies will be derived. From this a cognitive metrics suite will be developed to encompass all cognitiverequirements for performance. This cognitive metrics suite will provide measurements in aspects of cognitive performance, and will provide an understanding of what tasks can and cannot be automated into systems. Also, with this cognitive metrics suite, newtechnologies can be designed and evaluated, resulting in innovative and usable technologies that increase warfighter performance, situation awareness, decision making, and timeliness. Through the development and identification of a cognitive metrics suite for the evaluation of technologies, a fundamental basis will be made for the future design of systems that will take human cognitive functions and capabilities into consideration. Inthis, systems will be more usable, innovative, and will address issues on how to organize and manage manning issues. In understanding decisions, judgments, challenges, and strategies that are needed for job performance, naval systems along with other analogous military systems can be designed and evaluated. Along with this, aircraft systems design and process controlfacilities would also benefit from having a cognitive metrics suite for the evaluation of systems.