Planning Remote Multi-Airport Control—Design and Evaluation of a Controller-Friendly Assistance System

Abstract

A number of research projects aim at air traffic control independent from the controller's location and his outside view. In the context of one of these projects---VICTOR (Virtual Control Tower Research Studies), which was initiated by the German air navigation service provider Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS), a completely new concept of Aerodrome Remote Control Center (ARCC) was investigated. In contrast to previous approaches, the ARCC concept broadened the monitoring and controlling capabilities of the tower controller towards several airports at the same time. It thereby created new requirements for air traffic control, i.e. an eminent need for planning the air traffic flow of multiple airports. For this additional task, the concept of a planning tool was developed taking into consideration a user-centered approach, the guidelines for usable interfaces and a well perceived user experience. Following these Human Factors standards, our planning tool was developed to be useful and ensure safe handling, but also to look and feel good. For its evaluation, an analytical inspection method, i.e. heuristic evaluation, has been used as well as a questionnaire assessing the aesthetics of the graphical user interface. Eight usability experts assessed the tool, taking notes of any peculiarities and usability problems and carrying out the associated severity rating. With the help of this methodology, 56 issues were identified and corrected. Furthermore, results from additional qualitative statements of the experts for development and optimisation of the user interface were subsequently used for redesign. In terms of looks, the planning tool scored above average in aesthetics ratings. This chapter briefly introduces the tool and its design, and subsequently focuses on our evaluation procedure and results.