User-Experience-Based Visual Design Study for Carrier Optical Landing-Aid System

The design idea of Improved Carrier Optical Landing-aid System (ICOLS) has an important impact on the research of carrier landing-aid system. At present, the research on ICOLS in China is mainly focused on the working principle of equipment and technology realization. Although the research on optical and laser application and safety protection technology are relatively mature, the practical application field has not clearly defined the guidance of carrier optics yet formed a complete set of guideline for the visual design. This paper is aimed to investigate the ICOLS systems according to the theory of visual ergonomics, and provide optimization recommendations on optical guidance system for the future development of aircraft carrier. The study gives a brief review of development on optical landing-aid. The optical signal cognitive theory and design principles are analyzed and summarized. A questionnaire survey, observation, and user interview methods were taken to explore the needs of the pilots by asking the information needed at the time of carrier landing. Then, design concept of user-experience-based visual design in line with the existing ICOLS system has been developed, which provides three sets of optical signals in different stages of different distances guided by the basic principles of recognition, and gives the physical properties and optical characteristics’ definition. In addition, a simulation software based on PC and flight game consoles has been developed to simulate the optical signal and driving conditions following by a subjective satisfaction survey and a usability test.