Coginitve Task Analysis of Distributed Network-Centric Information for the Promotion of Shared Situational Awareness Within Collaborative UAS Operations

A hybrid model of cognitive task analysis coupled with activity theory and team cognition was evaluated to determine human-computer interface (HCI) design factors that promote Shared Situational Awareness (SSA) within a collaborative unmanned aerial system (UAS). A computer testbed simulation was created for use with participants in a time-sensitive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and weapons engagement mission testing scenario. A cognitive analysis was performed which consisted of a Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), Applied Cognitive Task Analysis (ACTA), time-sensitive activity analysis, and coordinated team cognition. Results from testing indicated that the promotion of situational awareness (SA) was enabled by network-centric updates among users in a collaborative UAS. The major cognitive task determined was maintaining SA of the big picture while performing the mission task at hand. Recommendations include the automation of a region of interest for network-centric updates, active filters for decluttering, and the synchronization of entities portrayed on HCIs