Between laboratory and simulator: a cognitive approach to evaluating cockpit interfaces by manipulating informatory context

Abstract

An evaluation approach for correspondence-driven domains is suggested and implemented. Touch screen and trackball controls were evaluated as interaction devices for large-area displays in the cockpits of highly agile jet aircraft. To account for the context conditions of selected use cases, informatory quality and the difficulty of situational demands were analysed and manipulated experimentally in dual-task scenarios, which were completed by experienced pilots. Results indicate a clear performance advantage of touch compared to trackball interaction, accompanied by less workload. Informatory dimensions induce different performance and workload ratings. Cognitive demands interfere the least with aiming performance, followed by visual and motor. Task and device influences are interdependent. Motor components of an additional task interfere especially with trackball control actions. Workload operates as a buffer. When difficulty increases, performance decrements are lower than workload increments. It is argued that this cognitive manipulation of informatory context is advisable for correspondence-driven domains, where context is expected to influence human---machine interaction. Transfer to automotive display evaluation appears to be straightforward.