Towards human-centred design: Two case studies

Currently much system development is done using a technology-centred approach: automating the functions the technology is able to perform. Human-centred design including a cognitive work analysis seems a promising alternative for systems combining skilled humans and automated support. Carefully selected information technology can support this innovative system development approach.Two correlated case studies assess the merits and limitations of a human-centred approach. To improve human capacity while maintaining or preferably increasing current safety levels automated support is needed. Despite the long-term trend of increasing automated support, the human remains the major contributing factor in accidents and incidents. Combining these two observations substantiates the need for innovative system design. The described results are relevant for other domains relying on human experts supported by complex automated systems.