Final answer:
The supervisory attentional system (SAS) in the Norman and Shallice model is responsible for allocating attentional resources to different tasks. It monitors ongoing activities and determines which task or cognitive process should receive attention. Designing systems to support attention involves understanding the limitations of the SAS and creating interfaces and environments that minimize attentional demands.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Norman and Shallice model proposes the existence of a supervisory attentional system (SAS) that acts as a control mechanism in the brain, responsible for allocating attentional resources to different tasks. The SAS monitors ongoing activities and determines which task or cognitive process should receive attention at any given time. For example, if a person is driving and suddenly a pedestrian steps onto the road, the SAS quickly shifts attention from the ongoing task of driving to the new and potentially dangerous situation.
The SAS helps maintain attention by prioritizing and directing resources to tasks that require attention. It ensures that important or relevant information is processed and acted upon. This system plays a key role in situations that require divided attention, such as driving while talking on the phone. It helps the individual allocate attention between the different tasks and switch between them efficiently. Designing systems to support attention involves understanding the limitations of the SAS and creating interfaces and environments that minimize attentional demands. Using clear and concise displays, minimizing distractions, and providing appropriate cues and prompts can help individuals maintain attention and make effective use of their attentional resources.