Multidimensional Task Analysis (MTA): A New Design Method for Human Factors Practitioners

Abstract

In this practice-oriented paper, we describe Multidimensional Task Analysis (MTA). MTA encourages researchers, designers, and evaluators to perform a range of focused task analyses when working with, or toward, a product, process, or system. While some forms of task analysis are well known - e.g., behavioral and cognitive task analysis -MTA suggests that there are many other task analyses that could be performed. Each additional analysis helps the practitioner identify important design constraints and opportunities. As a case-study, we discuss one form of analysis in depth: Emotional Task Analysis (ETA). ETA allows and encourages practitioners to make explicit emotional aspects of a task. We briefly present other new forms of task analysis, including Information Task Analysis, Decision Task Analysis, Attention Task Analysis, and Teamwork Task Analysis. We also suggest a wide range of other forms of task analysis.