Integrating operator function in work domain analysis of electric grid operations

The electric grid system is complex, and whether the failure of a subsystem can cascade through the whole system depends on the severity and the type of failures. Cascading failure analysis often uses Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the impacts to the system. Functional taxonomy can help researchers define the unexpected failures and events in the simulations systematically. Work domain analysis, a method in ecological interface design, describes a system at a functional level. Operators play an important role in electric grid operations, and understanding operators’ goals is crucial for modeling a cascading failure analysis. This paper describes an approach to integrate users’ goals (operator function) in the work domain analysis of electric grid operations. It can support not only the task analysis but also design affordances related to the goals, experience, and capabilities of users.