This report explores the potential benefits, challenges and user cases of future technologies which could be incorporated into the next generation of future aircraft cockpit design. The primary focus of the research will be within the realm of human factors engineering, understanding the application of human-centred engineering design for future technological concepts.
An assessment evaluating eye tracking, head tracking, XY cursor control and touchscreen capabilities in a cockpit has revealed that each technology has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. No single method proved to be a clear superior in all scenarios, rather the respective HMI technologies excelled in different areas and user cases. Touchscreen was found to be the lowest workload intensive technology across all six categories of the NASA TLX. Mixed reality systems (eye and head tracking) were highest in preference and most suitable for simple selection tasks. The findings suggested that although touchscreen capabilities are more appropriate for complex system interaction scenarios, mixed reality systems may be best suited for simple tasks.
Nevertheless, this report highlights the promising prospects of eye tracking as an integral part of future cockpit environments. The report places emphasis on the requirement for further work and development for implementation aircraft suitability. It concludes with the recommendation of a multi-modal interface functionality, which would allow the user to choose an optimal method of interface based on the situation.