ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to further address the current understanding and evaluation of usability in the context of aviation. The development of any technological device must be usable, yet the definition of usability has been remarkably difficult to define. It is highlighted within this chapter that usability cannot be assessed without considering the context of use. Therefore, in order to determine if new technologies within the cockpit are usable, a set of context-specific usability criteria is developed here that can be used to guide future usability evaluations within this domain. Following a review of the literature relating to the concept of usability in terms of factors, goals, design principles and standards, cockpit-specific criteria for usability are presented. The framework proposed has the potential to make a positive impact to the flight deck design process, which will ultimately deliver safer and more efficient interactions in flight deck operations.
