Scenario
Using your memory of prior ATM use, develop an inventory of user tasks in using an ATM. Example tasks include finding an ATM, positioning the car close enough to use it, etc. Compare your inventory with those developed by others in the class.
Task Analysis is one of the most important methods in computer human factors. Because the purpose many people purchase computers is to do something with them, an analysis of the activities or tasks they actually perform is almost always key.
Many different approaches have been defined for performing task analysis. Most of them aim towards describing tasks in terms of:
Additional factors, variables, and measures are often taken, including:
A type of task analysis that I call a task inventory has a large value in computer science. Schneiderman makes good use of task inventories in the course textbook. To perform a task inventory, one notes the tasks or activities that a user performs as they do a job or use the computer. Often, timing information is recorded also, e.g., when a specific task began, and how long it required. Most often, tasks are identified by their goal, their work functions, or the computer function or object used to complete them. Thus, the task inventory lists what tasks are actually performed and in their timing sequence. Frequency counts can be made from the inventory. The task inventory provides a firm basis for many computing activities, including requirements definition, design, development, maintenance, etc. I recommend it as a first step in learning task analysis for computing.
Task or Activity Timing or Order Comments
(Describe goals, (Describe events, (Describe task
objects, actions, and interruptions, flow, and complexity, value,
methods here) sequencing here) measures, etc. here)
A typical way to perform the inventory type of task analysis us to use a table to list the task or activity, timing information, and comments. An example of such a table appears above.