Analysis of Information Utilization (AIU)

Analysis of Information Utilization (AIU) is a method for describing and analyzing how information entities identified in information analysis are being used in the work situation. AIU aims at complementing existing methods for user interface design, by identifying additional requirements for human-computer interaction. The method focuses on aspects of computer supported work, related to cognitive load, aspects of which end users often not are explicitly aware of. For skilled workers, in a professional work environment, the efficiency of the user interface is extremely important. We have earlier stressed that important criteria for design of user interfaces deals with making the interface “obvious” to the users, by minimizing the cognitive load associated with the handling of it. AIU is performed through observation-interviews in which human-computer experts interview representative users about their work situation and observe physical information-handling routines. The analysis identifies work tasks in terms of judgments and decision-making situations, requirements concerning the tasks that may have to be performed simultaneously, important features and priorities of the information, actions the user can initiate, and so on. The method supports the interface designer with human-computer interaction requirements structured for a Analysis of Information Utilization (AIU) 46 workspace oriented design. It is integrated in a user-centered development model, and supports the simultaneous development of competence, organization, work activity and information technology. The article describes the background and contents of the method, and how the results of the analysis are documented and used in the design process. A number of application projects have shown that AIU makes it possible to capture aspects of human work and information processing, that are important to the design of better interfaces. AIU is not a new method for system development but complements today’s methods for task and information analysis with more design-relevant information. For illustration, an example is presented, describing interface design based on AIU in a system development project in the Swedish National Tax Board.