Anomaly Resolution

The HCI Group is conducting primary research in several mission contexts aimed at establishing a baseline of anomaly resolution practices. This work will feed into the development of improved anomaly support tools and processes based on a rich understanding of the goals, capabilities, and limitations of participants, stakeholders and their context.

Baseline Research in Mission Contexts

scrubbedmodel.jpgThe HCI Group has conducted over 150 hours of in-situ observation of the anomaly resolution practices of the MER and Gravity Probe B missions. These observations have provided valuable insight into how missions currently address process and tool support for anomaly resolution. The data from the observations have been synthesized into engineering-style, box and arrow diagrams that capture and communicate the various aspects of the work (e.g. information flow, physical environment, etc.). By analyzing the strengths and potential breakdowns in the mission contexts, the group has gathered an understanding of possible areas for improvement via process or tool development. The group will continue observations in a third context as well as conduct retrospective interviews with experienced anomaly resolution practitioners to further enrich its understanding of the process.

Informing Tool Development

Based on the in-situ observations, retrospective interviews and other supplemental research, we have noted fundamental elements of the anomaly resolution process across contexts: the assembly or notification of a group, the gathering of pertinent current and historical data, analysis and problem solving based on uncertain or incomplete information, decision making, and information archiving. Using an iterative design-evaluation process, the HCI Group will prototype tools to support anomaly resolution. The prototype will
address selected elements observed across contexts in the anomaly process. For example, such a tool might not support the assembly of an anomaly team, however it might address the problems of information storage, retrieval and backup.