Task Analysis

Task analysis analyses what a user is required to do in terms of actions and/or cognitive processes to achieve a task. A detailed task analysis can be conducted to understand the current system and the information flows within it. These information flows are important to the maintenance of the existing system and must be incorporated or substituted in any new system. Task analysis makes it possible to design and allocate tasks appropriately within the new system. The functions to be included within the system and the user interface can then be accurately specified.

Key Concepts

• A user goal    = a state an end-user wishes to achieve 
• A user task    = a user activity required to bring about a goal
• A user action = physical activity (part of a task) with or without a computer

Example Task Analysis of Banking

Goals

• Having some cash
• Having a bank account
• Having more money in your account
• Keeping the utility going
• Having the required funds now
• Reassured (or not) about financial status

Tasks

• Take money out from an ATM
• Get money from a bank
• Open an account
• Deposit money
• Pay utility bill
• Take out a loan
• View a statement

The Process of Task Analysis

Observe -> Articulate -> Review ->Validate

Observe : activity, documentation, reports, data
Articulate : a model of what is going on (matching observations)
Review: look for completeness and consistency within the model
Validate: review the model with end-users

And then this process continue repeating. So different types of task descriptions are used for this purpose.