Requirements for Effective Function Allocation

TLDR

Effective function allocation in teams of human and automated agents requires that each agent be capable of the individual functions it receives and of the collective set of functions, including teamwork, and that these capabilities be observable within detailed dynamics of simulation or operations. The paper identifies the requirements for effective function allocation within such teams. By addressing function allocation early in design, before technologies and interfaces are created, key trade‑offs can be considered and fundamental human‑factor concerns addressed. Function allocation is a key design decision that should be made deliberately.

Abstract

In this paper, we identify the requirements for effective function allocation within teams of human and automated agents. These functions include all the activities in the team’s environment required to meet collective work goals, that is, taskwork functions. In addition, the allocation of taskwork functions then creates the need for additional teamwork functions to coordinate between agents. Key requirements include that each agent must be capable of each individual function it is allocated and must be capable of its collective set of functions, including teamwork. Of note, many important attributes may be observed only within the detailed dynamics of simulation or actual operations, particularly when a function allocation requires tightly coupled interactions and when teamwork (including human–automation interaction) may support or detract from effective performance. Finally, we note that function allocation is a key design decision that should be made deliberately. By addressing function allocation early in design, before technologies and interfaces are created, key trade-offs can be considered and fundamental concerns with human factors addressed.