Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA)

The first step consisted in performing a HTA. The HTA is a way of representing hierarchically the goals and sub-goals of a system, highlighting its operations and plans, to allow an extended analysis (Stanton, 2006). Performing a HTA helps to identify the cognitive tasks driven by these goals (Annett, 2003). Following the methodology and notation proposed by Stanton (2006), a simplified diagram for the GODEX mission, with the hierarchy of tasks and plans of execution, is summarized in Figure 9.

Figure 9. Hierarchical tasks tree diagram for the GODEX mission.

The procedural diagram in Figure 10 emphasizes some points of decision in the mission, detailing it up to the third level of sub-tasks.

A detailed description of the tasks from the HTA diagram was implemented in the tabular form. The detailed description includes valuable information about the cognitive processes and sensory perception performed by the AO, also stressing some key required KSA. Most of the tasks rely on doctrinal rules based on classified sources.

Figure 10. Summarized procedural diagram for GODEX mission.

Due to its simplicity and lack of classified information, the ARL task (task 1.1.2.2) was selected as an example for implementation in WEBS, and it is used for the usability study. Figure 11 shows the hierarchical diagram of this task. The detailed tabular form for this task is reproduced in Table 4 (note that only the tasks that do not involve any classified source are reproduced in this table).

Table 4. Detailed description of tasks.

Step Task Task Description Remarks

1 Traverse

Area in Safety

This is the overall goal. The AO must traverse an area in which there will be surface ships transiting. For the version considered in this study the trainee is not allowed to change the submarine’s course.

During the traversal the trainee must keep the periscope lowered for as long as possible without risking the safety of the submarine.

1.1 Update

Tactical Situation

AO performs the most adequate technique to obtain information about the

surrounding tactical situation.

The AO must assess the source of information to be evaluated based on his mental model of the situation and on the time available according to his control of time.

1.1.1 Evaluation of

Sensors’ Information

AO obtains information of the contacts straight from sensors’ displays or from supervisors.

AO checks if the

information from sensors is consistent with his model of the situation.

1.1.3 Evaluate data

processed by STD

AO checks the STD solutions managed by the XO.

AO compares solutions with his own mental models

1.1.2 Data

Collection with Periscope

AO obtains information of the contacts performing a

periscope observation.

AO must judge which type of periscope

observation is appropriate based on the data he needs to obtain and the time he has to do it. 1.1.2.2 All Round Look AO performs an ARL. 1.1.2.2.1 Pre- Observation Actions

Set of tasks performed to put the periscope ready for an observation. Comprises all actions taken from the

decision to raise the periscope until the AO puts the eyes on the eyepieces to begin the observation.

Step Task Task Description Remarks 1.1.2.2.1.1 Check

Platform Conditions

Conditions of the submarine to be checked every time before the periscope is raised.

Each condition should be checked “at a glance.” Depending on conditions like the depth of the keel, speed over ground, or hull inclination, the AO may decide to not raise the periscope until corrections are made on the platform conditions.

1.1.2.2.1.2 Communicat

e intention

After deciding that all

conditions allow for periscope raising, the AO announces orally to STD what kind of observation he will do.

1.1.2.2.1.3 Command

Periscope to Raise

AO commands the periscope he will use to be raised

After the AO commands the periscope to be raised, the CEP supervisor orally announces the estimated bearing of known contacts.

1.1.2.2.1.4 Set Periscope Bearing

AO turns the periscope to the bearing where he expects to begin his observation.

Assessing his SA and the information just received from CEP Supervisor, the AO decides what is the best bearing, according to safety rules, to begin the ARL.

As periscope comes closer to the floor limit, the AO crouches.

As the periscope handles become reachable near the floor, the AO turns it to the selected bearing. 1.1.2.2.1.5 Check/Set

Periscope Controls

AO manually sets the

periscope controls while it is being raised

To save time, the AO must crouch and do these settings as soon as he can reach the periscope controls near the floor, while he still cannot reach the eyepieces with his eyes.

Step Task Task Description Remarks 1.1.2.2.2.5.

1

Check/Set Zoom

The periscope zoom must be set in accordance to the type of observation to be made.

AO sets the periscope to the lowest zoom to perform an ARL.

1.1.2.2.2 Observation Execute Observation AO execute chosen type

of observation. 1.1.2.2.2.1 Set Periscope

Height

AO sets the periscope height. AO evaluates, according to his own height and sea state, a height for the periscope in which it is possible to execute the observation, exposing just the sufficient amount of mast.

1.1.2.2.2.2 Set Periscope Lens

Elevation

AO uses periscope controls to set the best lens elevation to execute the search.

AO must recall safety doctrine to adjust it, considering expected threat.

1.1.2.2.2.3 Make visual search

AO turns the periscope 360º, visually scanning the horizon looking for contacts.

AO must focus total attention to this search.

1.1.2.2.3 Post

Observation Actions

AO takes action to lower the periscope just after finishing the observation procedure.

According to the current tactical situation, the AO must predict what is his next step, and decide to lower the periscope all the way down or just enough to break its exposition (flood the periscope) allowing for a faster raising afterwards.

1.1.2.2.3.1 Command

Periscope to Lower

AO commands orally to lower or “flood” the periscope.

AO commands orally to lower or “flood” the periscope

Step Task Task Description Remarks 1.1.2.2.3.2 Reposition

Periscope

While the periscope is being lowered, the AO quickly turns it to the start bearing of the next observation.

Having a refreshed SA after the execution of an ARL, the AO must plan one step ahead, choosing the next periscope to be done, and setting the periscope bearing on the bearing to begin the next observation. This

movement must be done quickly and without looking at the eyepieces.

1.1.2.2.4 Report

Results

AO recalls from memory the data about the observation, calculates and orally reports the results.

AO recalls from memory each contact or important new information collected during the search.

For each contact, he should report all

information gathered, such as estimated bearing, classification of the contact, AOB, and respective course.