Creation of a novel microburst alarm for Air Traffic Control using a signal design framework

In this study, we used a previously validated alarm design framework to design and test a new microburst alarm for air traffic controllers.

Methods

Two air traffic controllers participated in a detailed structured interview, describing aspects of the current alarm that worked well and identifying features that should be changed. They then chose the properties most important to the design of this specific alarm. This information was used to develop a prototype microburst alarm while making iterative changes. A short interview asking about those properties was then conducted with sixty-two controllers at a national conference.

Results

We developed an effective microburst alarm using the Signal Design Framework. Informativeness, Distinguishability, Saliency, Disruptiveness, Exclusivity, and Recognizability were improved by adding an electronically accelerated verbal component (‘Microburst!’) to the beginning and midway through the alert. The tonal component, volume, and timing of the prototype alarm were similar to that of the original alarm. During the alarm testing phase, most controllers agreed that the prototype would work well in both Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON environments. Controllers agreed that incorporating an audible ‘Microburst!’ helped to direct their attention to the source of the alarm, especially in facilities where this alarm is uncommon. Controllers also spoke favorably of the length, pitch, oscillation, and timbre of the auditory component.

Conclusions

We used a validated framework to develop a new alarm that would work well for controllers in their environment. The framework facilitated design, iterative testing, and large-scale evaluation.