PhD Study.

Introduction

The PhD study examines how legibility is influenced by the shift from paper-based to digital documentation in aeroplane flight decks. Manuals, maps, charts, and checklists are now stored in Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), thus accessed through a single digital device, which has transformed how pilots interact with data. Although EFBs are now widely used, the typography still relies on outdated print-based conventions, which may not be suitable for digital screens in modern flight decks.

The research explores how typography in EFBs can be improved, specifically through the use of Variable Fonts (VF), which enable customisable text settings to better meet pilots' needs. The study investigates how adjusting these settings can improve legibility and the user experience, especially in the context of pilot fatigue and overall flight safety. It challenges traditional typographic conventions in aviation, promoting more personalised and adaptable design solutions that suit individual preferences. 

The outcome of the research is the new VF named V1, which includes a weight and serif axis. This allows the typeface to transform from a hairline sans-serif into a black serif font. Additionally, the pilots can adjust the type size, line height (leading), character spacing (tracking) and select alternate characters in the sans-serif font.    

Ultimately, the research argues that typography plays a crucial but often overlooked role in legibility in a flight safety context. Customisable typography, as demonstrated by the V1 typeface, has the potential to improve both readability and user engagement by allowing real-time adjustments based on pilots’ preferences, physical conditions and environmental factors. This represents a significant shift from static text to an interactive tool, highlighting the importance of considering the user's experience when designing flight deck documentation.