Using role-play and Hierarchical Task Analysis for designing human-robot interaction

We present the use of two methods we believe warrant more use than they currently have in the field of human-robot interaction: role-play and Hierarchical Task Analysis. Some of its potential is showcased through our use of them in an ongoing research project which entails developing a robot application meant to assist at a community pharmacy. The two methods have provided us with several advantages. The role-playing provided a controlled and adjustable environment for understanding the customers' needs where pharmacists could act as models for the robot's behavior; and the Hierarchical Task Analysis ensured the behavior displayed was modelled correctly and aided development through facilitating co-design. Future research could focus on developing task analysis methods especially suited for social robot interaction.