The evaluation of pilot’s first fixation and response time to different design of alerting messages

Abstract

Current research investigates the limitation of current cockpit design for Crew Alerting System (CAS) and Quick Reference Handbook (QRH), and proposes a potential design solution that might enhance crew performance. Using eye tracking device, an experiment was conducted based on Flight Simulator Software. Objective eye movement data as long as subjective feedback from participants were collected to evaluate the design. 24 participants experienced 4 scenarios with both traditional design and integrated design. Results demonstrated that participants never made error in locating the instructions by integrated design. It is due to the obvious fact that the instructions of integrated design will present itself, hence decrease the chance of executing the wrong NNC by eliminating the degree of choices. On the other hand, 75% of the participants experienced at least one error in finding the correct instruction, which is probably due to the limitation of QRH itself due to options too close in formatting which causes clicking the wrong page accidently. Furthermore, a trend was identified by eye movement patterns for longer fixation duration, smaller saccade amplitude, and less time fixated on instruction area occur in integrated design. Current research found that integrated design of CAS and QRH is superior in acquiring accurate solutions for emergent situations and processing the information presented compared with traditional design.