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Optimizing Ground Handling: A User-Centered Design of an Interface for FOD Visualization

Skärström Olin, Teda LU and Yao, Isabella LU (2025) MAMM01 20251
Ergonomics and Aerosol Technology
Certec - Rehabilitation Engineering and Design
Abstract
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) poses a serious threat to airport safety and efficiency,
yet current detection processes often rely on manual labor, it is a repetitive task that
is prone to human errors. This thesis investigates how a Human-Machine Interface
(HMI) can be deigned to support the FOD detection and handling, with a specific
focus on the needs and workflows of ground personnel in apron operations. The
project was carried out with ADB Safegate and follows a user-centered, iterative
design approach.

The design process involved multiple phases of prototyping, beginning with low-
fidelity (Lo-Fi) sketches that evolved into a interactive high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) proto-
type. User study interviews and two rounds of usability... (More)
Foreign Object Debris (FOD) poses a serious threat to airport safety and efficiency,
yet current detection processes often rely on manual labor, it is a repetitive task that
is prone to human errors. This thesis investigates how a Human-Machine Interface
(HMI) can be deigned to support the FOD detection and handling, with a specific
focus on the needs and workflows of ground personnel in apron operations. The
project was carried out with ADB Safegate and follows a user-centered, iterative
design approach.

The design process involved multiple phases of prototyping, beginning with low-
fidelity (Lo-Fi) sketches that evolved into a interactive high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) proto-
type. User study interviews and two rounds of usability testing provided valuable
input that guided key design decisions. The focus was on minimizing cognitive load
and reducing interaction steps in time-sensitive and unpredictable environments.

While access to actual ground handlers was limited, feedback from ADB Safe-
gate employees and student testers helped shape the interface design. This included
the development of a separate alert page for task management, a mapped apron view
for spatial awareness, and a simplified reporting flow that aimed to balance usability
with operational data needs.

In addition to presenting a design concept, this work also reflects the broader
challenge of creating interfaces that support complex operational environments, like
airports, without adding unnecessary burden to the user. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Skärström Olin, Teda LU and Yao, Isabella LU
supervisor
organization
course
MAMM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Foreign Object Debris, Human Machine Interface, Airport operation, Ground handler, User-Centered Design
language
English
id
9193842
date added to LUP
2025-06-09 10:53:02
date last changed
2025-06-09 10:53:02
@misc{9193842,
  abstract     = {{Foreign Object Debris (FOD) poses a serious threat to airport safety and efficiency,
yet current detection processes often rely on manual labor, it is a repetitive task that
is prone to human errors. This thesis investigates how a Human-Machine Interface
(HMI) can be deigned to support the FOD detection and handling, with a specific
focus on the needs and workflows of ground personnel in apron operations. The
project was carried out with ADB Safegate and follows a user-centered, iterative
design approach.

The design process involved multiple phases of prototyping, beginning with low-
fidelity (Lo-Fi) sketches that evolved into a interactive high-fidelity (Hi-Fi) proto-
type. User study interviews and two rounds of usability testing provided valuable
input that guided key design decisions. The focus was on minimizing cognitive load
and reducing interaction steps in time-sensitive and unpredictable environments.

While access to actual ground handlers was limited, feedback from ADB Safe-
gate employees and student testers helped shape the interface design. This included
the development of a separate alert page for task management, a mapped apron view
for spatial awareness, and a simplified reporting flow that aimed to balance usability
with operational data needs.

In addition to presenting a design concept, this work also reflects the broader
challenge of creating interfaces that support complex operational environments, like
airports, without adding unnecessary burden to the user.}},
  author       = {{Skärström Olin, Teda and Yao, Isabella}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Optimizing Ground Handling: A User-Centered Design of an Interface for FOD Visualization}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}