Dynamic Energy Visualization

My graduate thesis explores the role of interaction design in the domain of "high-stakes" work environments, focusing on the modern commercial flight deck. This project stemmed from a twelve month research innitiative in collaboration with the Boeing Flight Deck Concepts Center. It makes the argument that better integration and visualization of data can help increase pilot awareness during automated phases of flight.

The modern airplane flight deck is equipped with systems that monitor the vertical situation during
all the phases of a flight. While the current systems provide adequate information about altitude and airspeed, there is one crucial element left out — the energy state of the airplane.

During flight a trade-off in energy must be balanced with a final desired energy state in mind in order to obtain optimal performance. A pilot flying a large-
mass airplane needs to be able to plan ahead to make sure that the actions taken will result in a new energy state well situated for performing needed maneuvers.

It is this need to accurately plan ahead that presented the opportunity to design and develop the energy management display presented here. This flight deck system display is an exploration
in dynamic energy visualization. It gives pilots a means of understanding how the plane's energy profile is changing at all times, as well as what interventions may be needed in order to keep performance at an optimal level.