Human-machine function allocation in information systems: A comprehensive approach

In the past, information systems development methodologies primarily focus on whether the needs of an organization could be met. In recent years, several human-centered systems development methodologies are developed to emphasize both organizational and human needs. In addition to an information system being useful, its usability become a central concern, and user analysis and task analysis are important parts in these methodologies. Human-machine function allocation is an important aspect of task analysis. Yet, current research and practice in this area show a gap for systematic and consistent guidelines and approaches. To address this gap, this paper proposes three guidelines and a comprehensive approach for human-machine function allocation when designing organizational information systems. Built on Price's decision matrix, Levels of Automation, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), our approach consists of four steps in determining human-machine function allocation. To illustrate this approach, an application example is provided.