The field of cognitive systems engineering (CSE) brings detailed analysis of work into high hazard and high consequence domains. CSE enhances understanding human performance in nuclear power, aviation, space exploration, military applications, healthcare, and other fields where the importance of minimizing error and maximizing desired outcomes is crucial.
While the jobs are different, there are generalized patterns of cognition, decision-making, and teamwork that apply across any kind of high value work setting.
The same principles, techniques and methods can improve work performance and decision-making in a diverse range of fields such as software engineering, healthcare, oil and gas extraction, construction, mountain safety, energy distribution, aviation, search & rescue, transportation management, and more. Engineering the cognitive (or “thinking”), technological, and systems (or “interacting”) parts of work makes them more resilient to unexpected events and improves the overall performance outcomes for safety, productivity, quality, and reliability.
As part of a work system analysis, I develop practical and actionable models of how workers:
- perceive when events are changing
- manage shifting risk profiles
- adapt a work plan in real time
- recruit others to assist in diagnosing a situation or replanning work
- reason about tradeoffs and how to handle goal conflicts
- cope with surprising, unexpected and complex problems that arise
These models are then used to work closely with teams, company leadership, or industry associations to co-design solutions that:
- Refine problem statements so solutions accurately address underlying causes
- Conduct incident investigations that address deeper systemic contributing factors
- Develop or fine tune runbooks, standard operating procedures, and work rules
- Clearly define user experience
- Identify issues and opportunities in current product or service offering
- Develop and deliver training courses that focus on safe, productive and reliable work performance
- Elicit requirements, develop user stories, and develop comprehensive testing plans
- Create prototypes to field with workers, users, or management that aid in ideation, product development, and strategic planning.
- Facilitate a new way of thinking about work and how to apply an organization’s expertise to address the hard problems faced.
After a long career in fast paced production environments in industry, I know how to move fast but with minimal interruptions to your team. Bring the practicality of an experienced field practitioner and the power of a PhD level expert to find innovative solutions for your problems.