Controller Evaluation of a Touch Input Air Traffic Data System: An II "Indelicate" Experiment

Abstract

An evaluation of a system for data transfer and display for airport air traffic control (ATC) by practicing controllers is described. The system is computer based, handling the data normally used in airport ATC at Heathrow. The system displays the controller's data on a single screen. Data transfer and modification are enabled via a touch-sensitive surface on the display. Sinaiko's term "indelicate experiment" is used since the evaluation fell into middle ground of system design, between "expert knowledge" and "controlled and lengthy experimentation." The major objective was to judge the opinions and attitudes of controllers. The study used a simulation of normal operations. Fifteen controllers-five groups of three-participated in 5-h-long exercises over 3 days. The main source of information was a questionnaire completed after the exercises. There was also a limited use of video tape. The results and implications of the study are discussed.

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