Resources - Glossary
cognitive task analysis
Cognitive task analysis is a process of identifying how people think about and complete a task. This may relate either to a task they already complete, or to a task they might be asked to undertake in the future.
The purpose is to ensure that the interface designed matches the users mental model of that task closely, so that the users can quickly and easily see what to do at every point.
For example, if a web site is going to allow users to put their home up for sale, then task analysis would be used to identify the process that people go through in deciding to sell, and in placing their home on the market. It would be used to identify what information they needed at each point, what their concerns were at every step, and what options they would need. This could then be replicated in the finished design.
Want to know more?
- Cognitive task analysis services from Usability by Design
- Search for task analysis on www.google.com
- Search for task analysis on www.lycos.co.uk
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