The development and application of human factors guidelines with automation support

The role of human factors (HF) in ATM systems design and evaluation is critical, particularly in the current period of rapid growth in traffic throughput. New systems demand HF methods that are usable and useful. HMI guidelines offer one method often used by both HF and non-HF specialists. However, problems with existing guidelines hinder their use. This paper describes an attempt to resolve these problems. Relevant HMI guidelines from over 30 established sources were integrated, and converted to electronic format with an accompanying audit tool. This allows the user to select and store guidelines that are applicable to a particular purpose, from a total of approximately 1,600 in seven major areas. Furthermore, the audit tool allows HMI components to be rated in terms of compliance and priority. Additional functionality allows the user to form the structure of a report, by allocating guidelines to the report sections and adding comments or recommendations. The paper briefly illustrates the application of the electronic HMI guidelines database (e-HMID) to an aviation surveillance technology interface.