Presentation
Houston, We Have a Usability Problem: A Human Factors Approach to an Augmented Reality Space Mission Planning Application
SessionPoster Session 1
DescriptionAugmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that integrates interactive virtual elements into the real world in real-time, offering new opportunities for user engagement. As space exploration continues to grow, there is an increasing need for advanced, user-friendly tools to support mission planning tasks traditionally reliant on complex two-dimensional software. This study presents a collaborative approach between Aerospace Engineering and Human Factors researchers on the development of a novel AR application for space mission planning. The team conducted contextual inquiry, paper and high-fidelity prototyping, task analysis, process charts, error analysis, heuristic evaluation, and usability testing to inform unique design decisions. Results showed that the AR prototype reduced the number of user actions, improved task completion times, and decreased the likelihood of critical errors compared to traditional software like Ansys STK. Usability testing highlighted strengths in conceptualizing orbital mechanics through 3D visualization but also identified key areas for improvement, including interaction intuitiveness, system feedback, and spatial awareness. Overall, this study demonstrates the value of integrating Human Factors early in AR development to improve usability and support intuitive, hands-on learning for complex aerospace tasks.
Event Type
Poster
TimeTuesday, October 14th5:30pm - 6:30pm CDT
LocationRiverside East