A domain chosen for an expert system (especially a first one) should have the following characteristics:

• Task takes from a few minutes to a few hours for human experts.
• Specialized task (avoid commonsense reasoning).
• Expertise in the area exists and can be identified.
• An expert who is willing to commit significant amounts of time over a long period is available.
• Opportunity for large payoff.

Problem Characteristics

• Complexity: significant expertise required.
• Lack of algorithmic solution to the problem.
• Data may be unavailable or uncertain.
• ``Judgment'' may be used in reaching conclusion.
• Many different kinds of knowledge sources involved in performing task.

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