Analysis of Information Utilisation (AIU)

Analysis of information utilisation (AIU) is a method for specifying how information entities encountered in information analysis are being physically manipulated in the work situation undergoing analysis. It focuses especially on factors affecting cognitive load. The method supports the human-computer interface designer with relevant and appropriate information structured specifically for a document oriented design methodology. It gives a suitable basis for user centred interface design, without the possible limitations that improper user participation could cause, and focuses on all aspects relevant for a ”good” work environment, such as competence, organisation, work activity and information technology development. Analysis of information utilisation is performed through ”observation-interviews” in which a human-computer expert interviews a typical user about his work situation in the domain of work and observes information handling routines that the user might not be aware of. A number of development projects have shown that this method can constitute an additional step in existing methodologies for capturing aspects of the work situation that can be directly design controlling. This paper describes the method of analysis of information utilisation, and what information that has to be documented while performing the method. It suggests how the method can be incorporated into existing in-house development methodologies, and gives an example of documented analysis results from a development project within the Swedish National Tax Board.