Build the Picture, Build the Plan: The Role of Control Room Displays in Team Sensemaking

Motivation – The researchers employed several interview methodologies to uncover themes for how submarine crews interact with each other and the control room technology to make sense of their environment. Research Approach – The interview methodologies employed include simulation, training and Team Sensemaking Critical Incident Method (SCIM) interviews. Findings/Design – The data suggests control room team members’ understanding of the tactical picture and ability to support projection, were critical to success. Research Limitation/Implications – These findings are from an initial high level analysis on a subset of the total sample. Originality/Value – The findings are valuable because understanding how submarine teams make sense of their data and each others’ input is necessary for supporting that behavior. Take away message – We will describe what we learned about team sensemaking in submarine environments, with a focus on how teams build their picture and plan and how technology supports those efforts.