SUPPORTING PERCEPTION IN THE SERVICE OF DYNAMIC DECISION-MAKING

Skilled performers in complex environments rely heavily on heuristic s trategies to cope with the time pressure and complexity of dynamic tas ks. We suggest that the use of task simplification strategies based la rgely on perception and pattern recognition is fundamental to the novi ce-expert shift in dynamic decision making. We therefore suggest that interface training interventions should support the development of hig hly effective and robust heuristic strategies, rather than the develop ment of more abstract, cognitively intensive strategies. A pair of emp irical studies are presented that investigated the benefits of trainin g interventions aimed at supporting perceptual and pattern-recognition al activities in dynamic environments. Results suggest that the acquis ition of skilled performance in dynamic environments can be accelerate d by supporting perceptual activities in the service of dynamic decisi on making. Implications of these results for training, aiding, and int erface design are discussed.