Using engineering models to compare paper and hypermedia-based displays of flight information

The results of a study conducted to evaluate a proposed design for a hypermedia-based approach chart system are reported. A task analysis was performed of a pilot flying an approach using paper approach charts. Engineering models were then constructed of the paper and hypermedia approach charts using GOMS (goal-operators-methods-selection rules) approach. The models were used to calculate the execution time, memory load, and cognitive load of each system. Results indicated that pilots should take approximately the same amount of time to fly an approach using either approach chart system. However, the hypermedia system should place significantly less cognitive workload on the pilot. The method used in this study is suggested as an alternative model of service delivery for human factors specialists. By building task-specific engineering models, human factors specialists can provide a cost-effective tool that allows designers to compare the interfaces of systems at the conceptual design stage