Human Factors

Week 1

 

Project

Hand Tools in Aviation

Choose a hand tool that is used in aviation. It can be one that is used by mechanics, pilots, or anyone else involved in aviation. Take a picture of the hand tool (or draw it). Then write a 300+ word paper about how you would redesign that tool to better improve the human-machine interaction. Explain what your changes would be and why you would make them. Finally, include a drawing of the new design.

• APA format, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins

Due Jul 11

 

Week 2

 

Discussion

 

Theories and Hypotheses

Theories and hypotheses are quite different from each other, but students often get them confused. Explain the difference and why you need both for solid scientific research.

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

 

Due Jul 15

Week 3

 

Discussion

Visual Illusions

Choose one visual illusion from the textbook or other source and discuss how this illusion works. Then explain why our visual system processes this illusion the way it does.

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Jul 22

Project

Instruments in Aviation

Choose an instrument that is used in aviation. It can be one that is used by air traffic controllers, pilots, or anyone else involved in aviation. Take a picture of the instrument (or draw it). Then write a 300+ word paper about how you would redesign that instrument to better improve the human-machine interaction. Explain what your changes would be and why you would make them. Finally, include a drawing of the new design.

• APA format, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins

Due Jul 25

Week 4

 

Discussion

Memory Aids

Explain how memory aids can be used to help humans better interact with machines. What types of information do humans have trouble recalling, and how might we use aids to improve that recall ability?

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Jul 30

Week 5

 

Discussion

Aids to Catch Decision-Making Errors

 

Choose one type of decision-making error that is common in aviation. Discuss how we might design automated aids to catch those decision-making errors before they become catastrophic.

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Aug 5

Project

 

Software in Aviation

Choose a piece of software that is used in aviation. It can be one that is used by air traffic controllers, pilots, or anyone else involved in aviation. Take a picture of the software (or draw it). Then write a 300+ word paper about how you would redesign that software to better improve the human-machine interaction. Explain what your changes would be and why you would make them. Finally, include a drawing of the new design.

• APA format, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins

Due Aug 8

 

Week 6

 

Discussion

 

Colors in Displays

Explain why colors matter in displays. What are the best colors to use in different situations (e.g., day vs. night flying)? What makes the use of these colors effective for human use?

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Aug12

 

Week 7

 

Discussion

 

Workload and Stress Interaction

How do workload and stress interact? How do high workload situations lead to more operator stress, and vice versa?

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Aug 19

 

Project

Displays in Aviation

Choose a display that is used in aviation. It can be one that is used by air traffic controllers, pilots, or anyone else involved in aviation. Take a picture of the display (or draw it). Then write a 300+ word paper about how you would redesign that display to better improve the human- machine interaction. Explain what your changes would be and why you would make them. Finally, include a drawing of the new design.

• APA format, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins

Due Aug 22

Week 8

 

Discussion

How to Improve Safety in the Cockpit

In your opinion, what is the most dangerous component of flying? How might you improve safety in the cockpit to reduce the number of issues that arise due to that dangerous component?

• Write at least 100 words in your initial posting

Due Aug 26

 

Instructions:

Due Aug 29

Write a literature review that highlights the various human factors aspects in Unmanned Aerial Systems flight. (Maximum 10 pages, not including references)

The following elements are required for your paper:

Introduction

Background of UAS and Civilian Use (2 points)         

               Describe the various UAS (‘drones’) civilian applications

0 points	1 point	2 points
Does not meet standards	Brief description of UAS uses	Detailed description of UAS

 

Cognition, Stress, and Decision Making Elements in UAS flying (8 points)

Explore the various cognition and decision-making elements associated with UAS civilian flying. What are some of the human factors challenges for the pilot? Be sure to include how automation and user interface/interaction can play a role in the effectiveness of the pilot.

0 points	1-4 points	5-7 points	8 points
Does not meet standards	Briefly mentions some elements of Cognition aspects but lacks adequate detail	Paper addresses all these elements; however, some detail is lacking or errors in this section	All elements addressed with excellent detail

 

Previous flight Experience vs. Gamer experience vs. no experience (8 points)

Explore some of the research conducted with respect to various types of experience and whether they correlate to UAS flight ability. Detail how the studies were conducted

0 points	1-4 points	5-7 points	8 points
Does not meet standards	Briefly examines how experience may or may not relate to flight ability but lacks adequate detail	Paper adequately examines experience vs. ability but does not go into how studies were conducted in high detail; or some errors in this section	All elements addressed with excellent detail with respect to how various research was conducted to examine experience with respect to ability

 

Conclusion (2 points)

Conclude the paper with summarizing how human factors is involved with UAS flying. Include your inferences as to what are the most important elements, based on your research, that would make a good UAS pilot.

0 points	1 point	2 points
Does not meet standards	Brief conclusion (weak)	Detailed conclusion with excellent inferences made