A performance and usability evaluation was conducted on an automated task management concept (ATMC) user interface prototype design developed for an Air Defense Warfare (ADW) environment. With the Navy's reduced manning objectives, available advanced technologies, and increasingly complex mission areas, research and development of advanced user interface concepts is becoming a high priority. Testing was conducted at the Integrated Command Environment (ICE) facility at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren VA Human Performance Laboratory. Team performance, situational awareness, and workload data were collected on six intact fleet ADW teams performing a realistic tactical scenario and supported by an ATMC prototype. These data were compared to data collected from six ADW teams performing the same scenario on advanced consoles without ATMC capability. Although it was expected that the teams with the ATMC interface would perform substantially better than the teams without it, the performance data did not completely support this hypothesis. Results indicated that ATMC may benefit the tasks of some operators and that some aspects of workload may be reduced using this concept. The results of a usability analysis and warfighter feedback also indicate that task management concepts may have some potential to reduce the need for verbal communication between team members.

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