Usability Evaluation of Multi-Touch-Displays for TMA Controller Working Positions

Abstract

Since smartphones and tablets were introduced into consumer electronics, multi-touch technology has been increasingly used for professional purposes. The aim of our research within the SESAR project 10.10.2 task “Innovation Analysis 2013” was to determine whether controllers working in the approach controller position could also use gesture-based natural user interfaces for their work. We built a mock-up with multi-touch interaction that was evaluated against a comparable mouse interaction concept. In our study, fourteen air traffic controllers nearly all with active licenses were asked to guide air traffic in a realistic scenario with both the multi-touch and a mouse mock-up. Usability and workload were assessed. The results revealed higher usability scores for the multi-touch mock-up, and the workload is assessed to be decreasing in many aspects, too.