Weather systems: A new metaphor for intelligence analysis

Phillip J. Ayoub, Irene J. Petrick, Michael D. McNeese

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

With the recent catastrophic outcomes in U.S. intelligence capabilities we suggest that current design metaphors are inadequate to address the changing reality of U.S. intelligence needs. In-depth interviews and concept mapping efforts with intelligence analysts suggest that the intelligence domain be characterized as a distributed cognitive work system. Current mechanical or information processing metaphors that encourage techno-centric system design solutions neglect the emergent, pluralistic and distributed nature of information that supports situational awareness and decision making in the intelligence domain. Instead, we suggest that weather systems are a more appropriate metaphor for understanding the cognitive activity of intelligence analysts and to guide the design of cognitive aides, information sharing and knowledge management systems, and data processing tools used to support intelligence work.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007
Pages313-317
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2007
Event51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007 - Baltimore, MD, United States
Duration: Oct 1 2007Oct 5 2007

Publication series

NameProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Volume1
ISSN (Print)1071-1813

Other

Other51st Annual Meeting of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, HFES 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore, MD
Period10/1/0710/5/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Human Factors and Ergonomics

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