Display evaluation has generally been performed using reaction time experiments or subjective evaluations to determine which display is better suited for a particular application. A new testing procedure combined with two analysis techniques of scanning behavior have been used to evaluate two alternative display designs in a realistic setting. Tests were conducted in the Langley Research Center's General Aviation Simulator. The results indicated that a new bargraph type of vertical speed indicator located between the attitude indicator and the altimeter is looked at more quickly, appears to lower cognitive workload slightly, and was preferred over a conventional vertical speed indicator.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
ElkinEdwin H.: Effects of Scale Shape, Exposure Time, and Display-Response Complexity on Scale Reading Efficiency. WADC Technical Report 58–472, February, 1959.
2.
GrahamNorah E.: The Speed and Accuracy of Reading Horizontal, Vertical, and Circular Scales. The Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 40, No. 4, pp. 228–232, 1956.
3.
HarrisRandall L.Sr.: Validation of a Research Simulator for Light Aircraft Approach and Landing. SAE National Business Aircraft Meeting, April 1975.
4.
HarrisRandall L.Sr.ChristhilfDavid M.: What Do Pilots See in Displays. Presented at the 24th Annual Meeting of the Human Factors Society, October, 1980.
5.
StephensAlbert Thomas: Instrument Scan, Performance, and Mental Workload in Aircraft Pilots. M. S. Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, September, 1981.
6.
ToleJ. R.StephensA. T.HarrisR. L.Sr.EphrathA. R.: Visual Scanning Behavior and Mental Workload in Aircraft Pilots. Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, 53 (1):54–61, 1982.
