Research in the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) has shown that early usability evaluation of human interfaces can reduce operator errors by optimizing functions for a specific population. HCI research has produced many methods for evaluating usability, which have proven effective in developing highly complex computer systems. Given the importance of the human in the loop in aviation systems, it is possible that advanced commercial cockpit and air traffic control systems may benefit

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... m systematic application of usability research. This article identifies the special requirements of the aviation domain that will affect a usability evaluation and the characteristics of evaluation methods that may make them effective in this context. Recommendations are made of usability evaluation techniques, or combinations of techniques, most appropriate for evaluating complex systems in aviation technology. The role of any system interface is to provide a dialog between the operator and the device. This dialog directs the actions of the operator to the device in the form of controls and from device to operator by converting raw data to useful information. If a system is useable, the dialog is intuitive and natural and allows the user to work in harmony with the system. There are numerous ways to evaluate and enhance the usability of a system. Some are empirical; others require the support of a usability expert, and some are best performed by groups. Ideally, these methods are applied dur-