Multidimensional Task Analysis (MTA): A New Design Method for Human Factors Practitioners. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Intriligator, James
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society ... Annual Meeting. Volume 66:Part 1(2022)
• Page Start: 2229
• Page End: 2233
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Human engineering -- Congresses; 620.8205
• DOI: 10.1177/1071181322661534
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1541-9312

Abstract

In this practice-oriented paper, we describe Multidimensional Task Analysis (MTA). MTA encourages researchers, designers, and evaluators to perform a range of focused task analyses when working with, or toward, a product, process, or system. While some forms of task analysis are well known - e.g., behavioral and cognitive task analysis -MTA suggests that there are many other task analyses that could be performed. Each additional analysis helps the practitioner identify important design constraints and opportunities. As a case-study, we discuss one form of analysis in depth: Emotional Task Analysis (ETA). ETA allows and encourages practitioners to make explicit emotional aspects of a task. We briefly present other new forms of task analysis, including Information Task Analysis, Decision Task Analysis, Attention Task Analysis, and Teamwork Task Analysis. We also suggest a wide range of other forms of task analysis.