Introduction
EPSS are computer-based systems that support user
performance. They can take various forms, ranging from
online help files to integrated coaching systems.
Applications
They are typically used for
task structuring support: help with how to do a task
(procedures and processes),
access to knowledge bases: help the user find needed
information, or
alternate forms of knowledge representation: video,
audio, image, text, or data.
Types
There are four general categories of EPSS design:
A front-end, or an interface added on to an existing
system, whether paper-based or electronic, helps the
user to use the system, but does not change the system
itself.
A supplement to an existing system, e.g., hypertext
links added to an existing database, may facilitate use of
the system by altering it in some way.
A stand-alone tool may be used to support performance of specific narrowly defined
tasks, e.g., a tutorial on how to use a computer
program.
New systems with integrated performance support provide
comprehensive support for a wide array of tasks.
