Founded in 1982, the Cognitive Systems Engineering Lab (CSEL) is the oldest Cognitive Systems Engineering university laboratory. We have developed knowledge, methods, and tools to guide the design of systems at the intersection of people, technology, and work in complex settings. We then apply our technical expertise to real-world projects around stretching from our home in Columbus, Ohio, into outer space.
As researchers and designers, we identify patterns and leverage new technologies to support dynamic decision-making in the face of anomalies, uncertainty, stress, and even intentional deception by adversaries. Specifically, we are concerned with cognitive functions such as problem-solving, decision making, attention, perception, and memory.
Our technological innovations are multidisciplinary, incorporating data analytics, graphic design, human-centered design, simulation, and other fields into our own methods. When constantly evolving technological capabilities create possibilities, Cognitive Engineering transforms these putative benefits into effectivity. CSEL’s integrative perspective on technology and cognitive science grounds technology in the complexities of real worlds of practice and realizes sustainable improvement in human performance.
Our Mission
CSEL’s goal is to contribute to both science and engineering, respectively by focusing on models of human performance in the design and interaction with cognitive tools and by delving into the actual design and development of such tools.
Where are CSEL Graduates now?
Some of the companies we have worked with include:
- Ohio Department of Health (ODH)
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODoT)
- Translational Data Analytics Institute (TDAI) at The Ohio State University
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
- NASA
- FAA