TRACER- a practical construct for dealing with complexity in human interactive systems

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Abstract
The aim of this paper is to show how methodological ideas can be developed from theoretical first principles of complexity, by presenting TRACER, a practical construct for dealing with complexity in human interactive systems. Utilising the concept of a human interactive system life cycle exhibiting discrete phases, it can be seen that the use of a methodologically driven approach can be instrumental in the development of the life and success of a system. The two elements of TRACER are considered. 1 The TRA CER Construct which utilises three linked dimensions: human requirements of the system; human understanding of the system; and capability of the participants in the system. 2 The TRACER Methodology, with discrete but interactive stages of translation, rapport, assessment, comparison, evaluation and recognition. TRACER is eclectic in nature, using techniques from psychology, sociology and cross-cultural studies in order to understand the nature of complexity and human capability to interact with system demands. Using examples within a system to show generic structural attributes (eg, system/ human communication network) and task specific attributes (e g, perception), methods for understanding and controlling complexity are shown to change the dimensions of a human interactive system life cycle.

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