A developed model of expert system interface (DMESI)

Cognitive compatibility plays an important role in the development of the h uman-computer interface. A good user interface will lead to better user/exp ert system interaction and task performance. In this study, we examined wha t and how cognitive types affect problem-solving and analyzed the theoretic al development of the relationship between human cognition and the use of i ntelligent machines in the domain of maintenance. The implementation of the knowledge acquisition (KA) presented the development process of the mainte nance protocol which derived from using ICAM DEFinition0 (IDEF0) and Data F low Diagram (DFD). From the maintenance process modeling, the formal repres entation of what the user does with the resulting interface can be defined. The knowledge base of the system is represented by a fault decision tree d iagram, and is incorporated to communicate between the maintainers and the computer. Furthermore, we also evaluated and compared the effectiveness of expert system interface with the traditional maintenance handbook. As a cas e study, a fault recovery expert system for the Maintenance Department of t he diesel engine bus system of Taipei City has been developed. Findings of the study have important implications in expert system interface design, in cluding the specific features of changeability, traceability, plenitude, an d qualitative description in this maintenance area. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.