We present in this paper a new approach for building distributed decision supportsystems. Multiple decision makers support systems are devoted to assist setting aconsensus while taking into account all aspects related to the distributed nature ofthe processes. This approach is based on the integration of the individual cognitivemodels of the decision makers of the team and on the modeling of the dynamics ofindividual decisions when being interleaved. Our model allows to detect and pre-vent extremal group behaviors and to identify the right information transfers to beset among decision makers. This model has been tested in a realistic applicationframework concerning decision making in Maritime Surveillance where several oper-ators have to converge towards a unique decision in limited time. We conclude withproposing the main elements of a design methodology for decision makers supportsystems based on the proposed approach.

Situations of distributed decision making are characterized by the existence of different points of view between decision makers (DM's), and by different temporal dynamics within the system, which reinforces importance of studies on information data flows between DM's, and is the basis of classical Distributed Decision Support System (DDSS) approaches. We propose not to limit the analysis of the situation (and consequently the role of the DDSS) to information flows, but to integrate cognitive modeling of each DM, and to use these latter to better analyze relevant information, in order to control it, within the flows exchanged. Our approach relies on an application framework concerning decision making in Maritime Surveillance.

In this paper, we present some considerations about the cognitive modeling of expert decision behaviors and his/her strategies that can be used to design a decision support system at individual but also at collective level. We present especially the psychological references that underly our own modeling of an individual decision maker, and propose a way to use these references in analysing decisional interaction amongst a group and thus to deal with collective decision making amongst a team

This paper proposes to consider decision support systems (DSS) under the activity theory and humancentered design perspectives. We suggest to embed in the decision support system part of the decision maker(s) decision schemes and mutual influences in order to transform the DSS artifact into an instrument that will allow its users to adapt their own cognitive models of the task. Examples are presented in the individual and collective decision processes, explaining the way the users can interact with the system. This leads to propose to orient future DSS research towards supporting decision makers themselves, thus possibly defining a concept of decision making support system to be in agreement with human-centered design main principles.

Situations of distributed decision making are usually characterized by the existence of different points of view, expressed by Multiple kinds of agents along different temporal scales. In most DDSS, the observable dynamics of the process is handled through the workflow information between the agents. Our approach tries to extend this classical one while taking INTO data_ds.tmp_pub_account, beyond this observable information, the individual mental representations and process models. Our application support is an Airborne Maritime Surveillance System.