Cognitive Systems Engineering (cse) Framework for Evaluating New Cockpit Interfaces

With an increased role of modeling and simulation new cockpit technologies can be thoroughly evaluated before being implemented in an aircraft. This process of evaluation, however, needs to be guided by a framework based on our knowledge of the strengths and limitations of the human operator. Situation awareness (SA) has become the dominant construct used in evaluating new technology. However, it is unlikely that a single construct accurately captures the complexity of the cognitive processes under study. Rather than using a single construct we propose a cognitive systems engineering (CSE) framework for guiding the modeling and simulation process in evaluating new cockpit technologies. The CSE framework uses converging measures of three central constructs (i.e., SA, workload, and task-relevant performance) to operationalize the relevant cognitive processes underlying the pilot-machine interaction. It is argued that converging measures of these central constructs are essential for providing a comprehensive perspective on the impact of new interfaces on the pilot and the crew.