MAP-01-011 HFI Technical Guide - Human Factors Integration ...

Annex 3 – HF Techniques, Methods and Tools• HTA is an excellent technique to use when requiring a task description forfurther analysis. If performed correctly, the HTA should depict everythingthat needs to be done in order to complete the task in question.• As a generic method HTA is adaptable to a wide range of purposes.• Tasks can be analysed to any required level of detail, depending on thepurpose.• When used correctly HTA provides an exhaustive analysis of the problemaddressed.• Disadvantages• Provides mainly descriptive information rather than analytical information.• HTA contains little that can be used directly to provide design solutions.• HTA does not cater for the cognitive components of a task.• Can be time consuming for the more complex and larger tasks.• Requires handling by an analyst well trained in a variety of methods of datacollection and in relevant Human Factors principles.• Requires time in proportion to the complexity of the task and the depth ofthe analysis.A3.4.2Tabular Task AnalysisTabular Task Analysis (TTA) is a task description technique that can be usedanalyse a particular task or scenario in terms of the required task steps and theinterface used. A TTA takes each bottom level task step from a HTA andanalyses specific aspects of the task step, such as displays and controls used,potential errors, time constraints, feedback, triggering events etc. The make-upof the TTA is dependent upon the nature of the analysis required. For example, ifthe purpose of the TTA is to evaluate the error potential of the task(s) underanalysis, then the columns used will be based upon errors, their causes and theirconsequences.• Advantages• Flexible technique, allowing any factors associated with the task to beassessed.• A TTA analysis has the potential to provide a very comprehensive analysisof a particular task.• The method is entirely generic and can be used in any domain.• TTA provides a much more detailed description of tasks than traditionaltask analysis techniques do.May 2006 Page A3-29 Issue 4