In this paper, it is argued that the design of computer interfaces for comp
lex, multi-layered systems needs to take into account the differing intenti
onal models that are held by different types of users of such systems, and
that there is a strong correlation between the job roles of individuals and
the level of abstraction of the mental models held by such users. An appro
ach to the analysis and design of complex multi-layered systems based on th
e analysis of job roles to elicit such models is suggested and linked with
other techniques of task analysis and object-oriented analysis and design.
The methodology is illustrated with the interface analysis for an automatic
environmental chemical analyser. (C) 2000 Academic Press.