The effects of Visual Clutter and Perceptual Speed in high-pressured information environments on the performance of tactical systems operators in the

Submarine tactical systems operators are required to work in high pressured, complex information environments where they are bombarded with a multitude of visual data. However when too much visual stimuli is present, the phenomenon of clutter degrades an individual's perception in many tasks. This PhD Project aims to explore people's search behaviour, performance, and experience, given various manipulations of clutter depending on it's congruence to the task. Furthermore, the project will investigate the interaction between clutter and perceptual speed- an individual difference for how accurately and quickly people perceive stimuli. Consequently, the project will inform on how future underwater battlespace applications and systems are designed to help the operator be more efficient and effectiveness.