TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Information Systems, Human Systems

OBJECTIVE: Develop a collaborative ability for spatially separated, networked warfighters to maintain tightly coupled shared awareness during fluid, quick-response asymmetric warfare operations. Address the problem by novel application of cognitive principles to the design of Web-based information display and retrieval technologies.

DESCRIPTION: To combat the ever expanding array of asymmetric threats the country faces, the US Military continues to transform itself by harnessing networked information sources to empower its warfighters with information dominance over their opponents. FORCEnet is one vision of a transformed, future network-centric Navy, which would afford its warfighters unparalleled access to near real-time operational data through the wide application of Web-enabled technologies. However, providing access to this vast array of real-time information is only the first step towards establishing information dominance. In the quick-response cycle of mission planning and execution that characterizes asymmetric warfare, spatially and temporally dispersed, networked team members must maintain a shared understanding of the battlespace as events unfold. Significant investment has been made in the collection, fusion, delivery and display of tactical and sensor information but the human�centric aspect of using this data to build knowledge for decision making has been largely ignored. For example, shared whiteboards and map overlays promote SA, but lack integration with individual and team knowledge processing capabilities required for truly net-centric operations. Large networked databases provide depth of data, but lack integration with mission visualization and shared SA tools. Knowledge wall technology displays advance the FORCEnet concept, but rely on the user to link and integrate that information. Conducting true net-centric operations requires visualized, shared, dynamic integration of mission, logistic, and asset information couched in a human-centric graphical user interface. What is needed are innovative collaborative technologies, grounded in cognitive theory, to enable networked warfighters to maintain closely-coupled shared situation awareness of dynamic events.

PHASE I: Identify key issues in the cognitive processes that support maintaining shared situation awareness over time. Develop a prototype of a low bandwidth, web-based collaborative technology for maintaining common situational awareness that instantiates and demonstrates these cognitive principles.

PHASE II: Develop a functioning, web-based experimental testbed of the collaborative technology in the domain of joint force mission planning and execution. Propose metrics to assess the impact of these technologies on shared understanding and team performance.

PHASE III: Incorporate the collaborative technology in a planned operational test environment at PACOM�s HQ21 installation or a fleet battle experiment. Validate the technology and demonstrate its benefit in maintaining team shared awareness in this operational setting. Develop guidelines and documentation for tool transition to an operational setting.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: Private-sector applications would include any collaborative or team problem solving situation where it is necessary to maintain a team consensus on an issue or product in a dynamically changing environment, such as stock trading.

REFERENCES:
1. ForceNet: Turning Information into Power: Vice Admiral Richard W. Mayo, U.S. Navy, and Vice Admiral John Nathman, U.S. Navy; U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2003
2. Moreland,E.L. (1999) Transactive memory: learning who knows what in work groups and organizations. In L.L. Thompson, J.M. Levine, & D.M. Messick (Eds.) Shared cognition in organizations: the management of knowledge (pp. 3-31). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
3. Kruse, J. & Adkins, M. (August 2005). The technology trap. U. S. Naval Institute Proceedings, 31, 59-62.

KEYWORDS: Collaborative; Shared meaning; Human-centric; Change awareness; Visualization; Web-based

TPOC: Mike Letsky
Phone: (703)696-4251
Fax: (703)696-1212
Email: [email protected]
2nd TPOC: Michael Cowen
Phone: (619)553-8004
Fax:
Email: [email protected]

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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