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International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction

EWHCI 1994: Human-Computer Interaction pp 164–180Cite as

Cognitive ergonomics of multi-agent systems: Observations, principles and research issues

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Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNCS,volume 876))

Abstract

The effectiveness of multi-agent systems — systems in which more than one human and machine agent cooperate to accomplish a common task — depends crucially on the extent to which these systems meet the psychological and social needs of the human participants. In this paper a review is provided of relevant observations, principles and theories pertaining to the cognitive ergonomics of these systems. We will focus on those ergonomics aspects that take on particular significance in multi-agent systems, including social psychological and motivational aspects. The review is organized around the distinction between technology-mediated human-human cooperation, supervisory systems, and cooperative problem solving systems. At the end of the paper an attempt will be made to summarize the implications of the review for designing multi-agent systems from a cognitive ergonomics point of view.

The research reported in this paper was conducted in the context of a larger research project aimed at compiling a set of terms, models and concepts relevant to Human-Computer Cooperative Work Systems, see DeGreef et al., 1991.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Experimental Psychology, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300, RB Leiden, The Netherlands

    Karel Hurts

  2. Department of Social Science Informatics, University of Amsterdam, Roeterstraat 15, 1018, WB Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Paul de Greef

Authors
  1. Karel Hurts
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  2. Paul de Greef
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Editor information

Brad Blumenthal Juri Gornostaev Claus Unger

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© 1994 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Hurts, K., de Greef, P. (1994). Cognitive ergonomics of multi-agent systems: Observations, principles and research issues. In: Blumenthal, B., Gornostaev, J., Unger, C. (eds) Human-Computer Interaction. EWHCI 1994. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 876. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-58648-2_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-58648-2_35

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-540-58648-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-540-49036-4

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