Carl Westin

7-4 Limitations and pitfalls of strategic conformance 167 In response to the second weakness, strategic conformal automation is thought to add a number of benefits, including the speed and reliability at which tasks (espe- cially repetitive and mundane ones) can be accomplished. More importantly, it can reduce workload and free resources for other pressing tasks. Strategic conformal automation should not simply mimic operator solutions. Rather, it should strive to match the underling decision-making style, and be able to provide solutions con- formal with the operator’s individual style. Strategic conformal automation would enhance performance by suggesting solutions not foreseen by the operator, although in coherence with her/his problem-solving style. This could lead to benefits in terms of increased automation acceptance and trust, whilst enabling the controller to eval- uate support in real time and lessen the cognitive burden. Strategic conformal automation can, however, be considered controversial in that acceptance and trust may be influenced independently from how “good” the actual decision-making strategy is. That is, the perceived “good” behavior of au- tomation can conceal poor performance. There is a risk of skewed belief in the capabilities and qualities of the automation leading to unnatural high expectations of the automation. 114, 183 This is an issue that requires further attention. 7-4-2 Restricted to initial acceptance? Over time, the importance and practical benefits of strategic conformal automa- tion can be questioned considering daily and prolonged interaction with automated systems. The greatest threats to acceptance are likely to emerge during initial in- teraction with automation. Therefore, the largest benefits of strategic conformance may be to facilitate initial acceptance and encourage operators to gain familiar- ity with the system. Following prolonged use, strategic conformance may become less important as other acceptance drivers, such as trust and perceived reliability, take precedence. Possibly, strategic conformal automation could be applied dur- ing a transitional period (e.g., training) to first gain acceptance, and then gradually change the automation’s decision-making style to a more suitable strategy (e.g., in terms of increased efficiency, safety, or other target). In this way, automation could teach the operator how to improve performance. 7-4-3 Restricted to expert operators? Strategic conformal automation may be most useful for operators who are already experts within their fields. Operational experience would then be the key factor. Consider for example pilots who, for a certain period of several years, typically op- erate only one aircraft type, although in very different and dynamic environments. Despite seemingly limited degrees of freedom, and highly-regulated operating pro-