The Development of a Job Performance Aid Design Model for Use in Aviation

Abstract

The aviation industry depends heavily on the high-reliability of its equipment and human performers. One method used to assist human performance has been the job performance aid. Traditionally job performance aids were only considered repositories for infmation and substitu<es for training. Today, however, job performance aids have taken on a new role that includes aiding the human information process. Consequently, it was determined that an effective job performance aid design model would be beneficial to those responsible for job performance aid design. This article presents an overview of a study that incorporated principles fiom the fields of instructional technology and aviation human factors, which identified variables that affected job performance aid design and pinpointed design activities necessary for effectiveness. -INTRODUCTIONThe aviation industry is comprised ofnumerous high-risk organizational systems that require a state of highreliability to maintain error free operations. High-risk organizational systems are those systems in which errors can lead not only to employee death or loss of equipment but to catastrophic consequences of such magnitude that they are unacceptable to the organization or the larger public (Von Glinow & Mohrman, 1990). High-reliability refers to the requirement for a tight coupling of system components that is necessary to meet the dynamics of changing situations and which places an emphasis on balanced objectives and team effort (Westrum & Adamski, 1999). Complex, technology-intensive organizations such as those in the aviation industry must operate, as Far as humanly possible, to a hilure-fiee standard.One method used by high-risk organizations to improve human performance at the operations end of a system is the Job Performance Aid (PA). Traditionally, JPAs were defined as "repositories for information, processes, or perspectives that are external to the individual and that support work activity by directing, guiding, and enlightening performance" (Rossett, 1991, p. 11). Additionally, PAS have been considered a substitute for training. PAS typically used in aviation include such items as aircraft checklists, maintenance trouble-shooting guides, operation manuals, approach charts, and passenger information cards. With today's emerging computer technologies the fimctions of JPAs have evolved to include automated decision-aids, electronic checklists, and computerized information systems. Many ofthese functions are intended to serve not only as repositories for information but also to enhance operator information processing.BACKGROUND The need for a JPA design model was identified by NASA research scientists (J. Orasanu, personal communication, January 8, 1996. K. Mosier, personal communication, January 30, 1996). Consequently, a study was undertaken to develop a design model. The study incorporated a different approach fiom that of a traditional research format because of its developmental nature, its utilization of instructional technology and aviation human fixtors, and ...