Mode Confusion

Confusion over an automation system’s current mode of operation can lead to misinterpretation of information or inappropriate actions.

As automation systems are able to complete more tasks and utilize more input sources, the automation inevitably becomes more complex. As complexity increases, the number of automation modes that a user must understand tends to increase. The increased number of modes can improve the ability of automation to assist the user with specific needs for a variety of different scenarios. However, if the automation user is unaware of the current system mode, the user may be led to misinterpret the information being provide or to provide inappropriate inputs for the current mode.

Why It's Important

Mode errors occur when the actual automation mode of a system differs from the user’s expectation. This can lead to actions that result in unexpected or unwanted consequences. The user in these scenarios is often surprised by effects of their actions and can be confused as to what is happening and what they should do to return the system to normal operations. Mode confusion has contributed to several significant aviation accidents and incidents.

Design and Implementation Considerations

The user should be able to tell what the automation is doing in an obvious and explicit way from the user’s perspective, not the designer’s. The automation system can be thought of as a member of the operational team. It must communicate to the human users and provide feedback about what it is doing and what it is about to do. The saliency of automation state indicators is an important design consideration to mitigate mode confusion and encourage monitoring. Designers and operations managers should require some participation from the user in operating systems as opposed to full passive automation to ensure that the automation is not left unmonitored. Additionally, operational procedures and staffing levels should be implemented so that the workload is never routinely high enough to discourage monitoring safety-critical automation functions.

Story Title	Source
The story of iFACTS – An Example of Ground-Breaking Automation Implementation at NATS	NATS
Runway Incursion / Occupancy Warning System Utilizing E-strips	LFV

Confusion over an automation system’s current mode of operation can lead to misinterpretation of information or inappropriate actions.

Why It's Important

Design and Implementation Considerations

Key Automation Lifecycle Stages

Automation Stories Related to Mode Confusion

Further Reading on Mode Confusion