Task Analysis Assignment

Perform a task analysis of the process of locating and printing out a specific article from an electronic database, using the Wallace Library catalog.

Use this paper as the example: Task analysis and diagrams for task models: TaskArchitect: taking the work out of task analysis, by Jon Stuart and Richard Penn. ACM International Conference Proceeding Series; Vol. 86 archive (The "ACM" part should help you decide which of the library's electronic databases to search.)

Your task analysis should have two components: a task decomposition, and a hierarchical task analysis. The HTA should have both a written narrative as well as a formal diagram (hint: both Word and Powerpoint have organizational chart tools that will work well for HTA diagrams).

Your writeup should also include a description of how you gathered your information. Ideally, your work will be illustrated with screen shots of the interface where appropriate.

This assignment is worth 15% of your grade, and should be submitted to the dropbox in MyCourses no later than noon on Sunday, February 11th. Please also bring a hard copy of the document to class on Monday the 12th.