Mode Confusion: the Nemesis of Uniformity by David Thompson

Title: Mode Confusion: the Nemesis of Uniformity
Presenter: David Thompson of Wessex Human Factors Ltd
Length: 17 minutes
Format: Downloadable video in SD, HD & Mobile SD
Access: Link and password emailed with confirmation of order

The literature is quite limited on the area of mode confusion, although the impact to aviation safety is significant. Academic work on the subject tends to focus on error modelling, and how various modes (mode switching) may result in confusion; including different levels of automation. There are real world aviation flight deck examples of confusion occurring between the training and live environment, the result of which expands the concept of mode confusion to i) different environments, ii) different situations, and iii) different systems. This presentation highlights why it is such a significant and important topic.

David worked at NATS where he became involved in new Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures, airspace, workstations and HMI, and control rooms/towers. A highlight was providing the ergonomics and human factors for the temporary airspace and revised ATC procedures for the 2012 Olympics. David now works freelance, providing HF expertise to clients in high-hazard industries.

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This presentation was given at the CIEHF event ‘Human Factors in Aviation Safety‘ on 10th November 2015 at the Radisson Blu hotel, East Midlands Airport.