Testing the generalizability of ecological interface design to computer network monitoring

The purpose of this thesis was to examine the generalizability of Ecological Interface Design (EID) to a new work domain. Computer networks provide a source of complexity unique among domains studied from the perspective of EID: because of the ability of network operators to add and remove devices, and change configurations, the work domain itself is much more fluid than those previously studied. A prototype interface was created to test the validity of Rasmussen's Abstraction Hierarchy in determining information requirements that would assist users in monitoring a network to detect and diagnose faults. A pilot experiment was conducted to test the interface in an experimental setting; this was followed by a more complete experiment, the results of which—faster detection times, improved rate of detection under higher loads, and improved quality of diagnosis (with greater consistency under higher loads)—indicate that the EID framework is applicable to this new domain.