Knowledge required for understanding task-oriented instructions

When they encounter problems with a novel or infrequently performed task experienced users often complete their work by referring to manuals and trying task-oriented exploration. However, the contents of the documentation can vary from step-by-step instructions for a single task to generic descriptions of a family of related procedures. This paper describes the Linked model of Comprehension-based Action planning and Instruction taking (LICAI) that simulates the processes involved in comprehending and using realistic task-oriented instructions. The simulations describe the necessary relationships among the content of the instructions, the goal, and the interface that enable users to accomplish their tasks.