An approach to capture design-induced error using an ontology

Since engineered systems, e.g. aviation control, have increasingly equipped with automated and computer-supported artifacts, human-system interaction has been an important issue. Understanding the infleunce of design on human performance requires phycological theories that explain human behaviour and cognition. One of the challenges of modelling such theories is to identify complex relations between systems and humans including different task perspectives. To address this problem, we have developed an ontology that specifies which relations are better comprehended when assisted with the theories and have used it to model human errors induced by designs. This paper presents the results of developing such ontology using a supporting tool, i.e. PCPACK.