CONTACT: A Human Centered Approach of Multimodal Flight Deck Design and Evaluation

This paper proposes a review of the latest theories in cognitive sciences about the multimodal nature of cognition. Based on this state of the art the paper introduces a dedicated user centered design and evaluation process for multimodal flight deck. This process is called CONTACT meaning COckpit NaTural interACTion. The entire process is described step by step from the analysis of Needs for a new multimodal interaction project till the identification of the multimodal solutions, passing by the description of pilot’s intentions, the perceptivo-motor experience and capacities and the modalities selection. This process is illustrated by some examples and lessons learned. A set of improvements of the method is also provided, in order to maturate this new approach of multimodal interaction design for flight deck, which has been applied on projects for aeronautical industry.