Perceptual Control Theory and Ecological Interface Design: Lessons Learned from the Contgrol Display Unit

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess the applicability of Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) and Ecological Interface Design (EID) to the radio communication domain, and to perform an analytical evaluation between PCT and EID using the Control Display Unit (CDU) interface as a vehicle. A PCT-based analysis of the pilot-CDU interactions was performed and an Abstraction Hierarchy representation of the radio communication domain was developed. Two interface designs followed and their effectiveness was assessed analytically by judging their ability to support tasks under normal and abnormal circumstances. The results suggest that both interfaces permit radio exchanges to be performed under normal operations. Also, both interfaces lead to the detection of technical failures and environmental concerns impeding successful radio communication. However, the PCT-based interface did not support diagnostic activities related to disturbances of a technical and environmental nature in the communication work domain, whereas the EID interface was able to support diagnostic activities for disturbances of environmental sources for the given task situations.