Using temporal patterns (t-patterns) to derive stress factors of routine tasks

ABSTRACT

We describe the use of a statistical technique called T-pattern analysis to derive and characterize the routineness of tasks. T-patterns provide significant advantages over traditional sequence analyses by incorporating time. A T-pattern is characterized by a significant time window (critical interval) that describes the duration of this pattern. Our analysis is based on data collected from shadowing 10 knowledge workers over a total of 29 entire work days. We report on the statistics of detected T-patterns and derived correlations with participant perceptions of workload, autonomy, and productivity.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES
      H.1.2 User/Machine Systems
          Subjects: Human factors

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Theory and methods

General Terms:
Algorithms, Experimentation, Human Factors, Performance

Keywords:
routine tasks, stress factors, t-patterns, temporal patterns