@inproceedings{Martin:2018:Ethnographic,
 abstract = {In traffic control centers a large number of complex processes are monitored by few dispatchers. Dispatchers are assisted by computer-aided systems that are able to support dispatchers' operations/decisions by filtering task-relevant from task-irrelevant aspects. With the increased use of computer-aided systems, the area controlled by a dispatcher increases and so does the risk of non-normal operations which require additional dispatcher action. In case of these non-normal operations, monotonous surveillance work can quickly change to a complex operation requiring sustained attention, cognitive effort, and responsible decisions since they might impact railway traffic safety. The level of dispatchers' attention and alertness is crucial for adequate decisions in non-normal operations. A computer-aided system that supports these abilities, for example by measures of attention control could be a key element for optimizing the work in traffic control centers regarding fewer mistakes and less mental demands to the dispatcher. In this paper we identify potential improvements in traffic control centers for promoting dispatchers' attention and alertness that can be included in a computer-aided system. Therefore, in a first step, we conducted a ethnographic analysis of rail-based transport control centers to gain knowledge about work conditions, work processes and its impact on the dispatcher. In a second step we identify a scenario classification to distinguish actions. This classification gives a structure for a detailed description of potential improvements to promote dispatchers' attention and alertness. Our classification revealed eleven scenarios for in which the dispatcher has no safety responsibility. We clustered these eleven scenarios in three high level groups, namely: peak hour, special service time and during off-peak hour and night-owl service time. Further, we highlight potential options how to utilize the latest technology to enable an efficient operation in control rooms in the future.},
 author = {Ullrich Martin and Carlo von Molo and Niels Henze and Lars Lischke and Sven Mayer and Monika A. Rieger and Benjamin Steinhilber and Florestan Wagenblast},
 booktitle = {Third German Workshop on Rail Human Factors 2018},
 date = {2018-04-18},
 keywords = {control room, large high-resolution displays, wall-sized display},
 pages = {7},
 pubstate = {published},
 series = {RHF'18},
 title = {Ethnographic Analysis of the Dispatchers' Workplace in a Rail-Based Transport Control Center},
 tppubtype = {inproceedings},
 url = {http://sven-mayer.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/martin2018ethnographic.pdf},
 volume = {3},
 year = {2018}
}