Integrated usability evaluation method for cockpit of civil aircraft

Abstract

Cockpit of civil aircraft is the only most important cabin that pilots executing tasks. The usability of a cockpit has been identified broadly as associating with the pilot–cockpit interaction efficiency and flight safety. However, usability has been paid limited attention by researchers from aviation industry. The current evaluation method may not be consummate enough, and the indicators are less targeted for cockpit. Therefore, the paper aimed to put forward an evaluation method taken into consideration comprehensive factors. The integrated usability evaluation model built included product attribute, performance attribute and impression attribute. The three attributes were then further developed as seven indicators such as error, satisfaction. The second problem solved in this paper was to calculate usability evaluation result accurately. The calculation method integrated grey statistical evaluation method and DEA method to solve the multi-objects decision. The method considers different groups which would lead to the evaluation difference. The integrated usability method proposed in this paper has practical implications for improving flight safety.