This book is a visual narrative of the Accident In- vestigation Involving flight Air India Express AXB 1344 (B737-800 Aircraft VT-AXH) on 7 August, 2020 at Calicut Airport, India. This book deals with the complex investigation of the accident with an emphasis on Human Factors and Sociotechni- cal Systems aspects. This book visually develops the gestation and growth of the events that led to the accident. This graphic narrative approach towards the complex accident investigation make this a must read for the readers who are interested in field of aviation as well as for general audience who have a curious drive to understand the dy- namics of accidents.
The Authors
Vivek Kant is cross-trained in both systems design engineering and cognitive/behavioral sciences. His research interests are human factors, human machine interaction design and human systems integration in complex sociotechnical systems.
Nidhin Joseph is an interdisciplinary designer with roots in architecture, and Communication Design Masters from IDC IIT Bombay. With a keen interest towards understand- ing the dynamics of accidents and disasters from a Human Factors and Sociotechnical systems perspective.
An Interview with the Authors
The Literature Times: Coming from an interdisciplinary background, how has your training in various fields influenced your perspective on accidents and disasters?
Authors: Our backgrounds have profoundly influenced our understanding of accidents and disasters, particularly in the realm of aviation. Human Factors (Vivek) and Architecture (Nidhin) taught us to appreciate structural integrity and spatial dynamics, crucial when reconstructing the physical aspects of accident scenes. This training provided a foundation for visualizing the complex interplay of forces in an air crash.
System Design (Vivek) and Communication design (NIdhin), on the other hand, equipped us with the art of storytelling and visualization, which is vital when conveying technical details to a wider audience. In creating “AXB 1344,” this meant transforming intricate investigation details into a narrative that was both accessible and engaging. The challenge was to distill complex technical data into a format that not only informed but also resonated with readers. This interdisciplinary approach enabled me to delve into the multi-faceted nature of air crash investigations, where every detail holds significance. It was a journey of marrying factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that the story of “AXB 1344” was told with both precision and empathy, making it relatable to both aviation professionals and the general public.
The Literature Times: The book explores accidents from a Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems perspective. How do you balance the visual storytelling aspect with the need to convey technical details accurately?
Authors: Balancing visual storytelling with the accurate conveyance of technical details in “AXB 1344” was a meticulous process, rooted in a deep understanding of human factors and sociotechnical systems. The key was to create a narrative that was as informative as it was engaging, ensuring that the technicalities of the accident were accessible to a broader audience.
The journey began with rigorous research, collating data from various sources, including newspaper articles and technical reports. This comprehensive foundation enabled us to construct a factual and detailed narrative. The challenge then was to translate this wealth of information into a visually compelling format. We opted for a time-stamped narrative structure, which allowed us to present events in a logical and clear manner. The visual style was carefully chosen to reflect the gravity of the subject matter – a hand-drawn line art style with a minimal color palette. This approach was not only in line with the brand identity of Air India Express but also ensured the narrative’s solemnity.
Throughout the process, discussions and iterative design approach allowed us to refine the narrative, ensuring that each element, from the text to the illustrations, accurately represented the technical aspects of the accident. The end result was a book that not only tells the story of the tragic incident but does so in a way that is respectful, factual, and visually impactful.
The Literature Times: Can you share any design principles or considerations that were crucial in creating a visually engaging and informative narrative for a complex accident investigation?
Authors: Creating “AXB 1344” required adherence to key design principles to ensure the narrative was both visually engaging and informative. Clarity and hierarchy in information presentation were paramount, guiding readers through the complex sequence of events. We employed a subdued colour palette to convey the seriousness of the incident while maintaining visual interest.
Consistency across visual elements, including typography and layout design, was crucial in maintaining a cohesive narrative. Balancing text and visuals was also essential, allowing each to complement the other in elucidating the multifaceted aspects of the accident. Iterative design and feedback, ensured the narrative’s accessibility and accuracy. These principles were integral in crafting a narrative that not only captured the intricacies of the investigation but also resonated emotionally with the readers.
The Literature Times: How do you believe your skills in Human-centered Design contribute to making the book accessible to a broader audience beyond aviation professionals?
Authors: Our skills in Human Centered Design were instrumental in making “AXB 1344” accessible to a broader audience. The challenge lay in demystifying aviation-specific jargon and presenting it in a format that was both engaging and understandable to non-experts. This involved breaking down complex concepts into simpler visual narratives and using graphic elements to aid comprehension.
The use of visual metaphors and intuitive layouts played a crucial role in translating technical aspects into relatable content. By creating a narrative that was visually compelling, we were able to draw readers into the technical depths of the investigation. Our commitment to clarity and engagement, honed through years of practice, ensured that the book resonated with a diverse audience, making the intricate details of the Air India 1344 accident comprehensible and engaging to both aviation enthusiasts and the general public.
The Literature Times: Were there any specific challenges in visually representing the sociotechnical systems aspects of the accident, and how did you overcome them?
Authors: Visually representing the sociotechnical systems aspects of the AXB 1344 accident posed significant challenges. The complexity lay in depicting the intricate interplay between human factors and technical elements within the aviation system. The key was to create visuals that accurately reflected these complex relationships without oversimplifying them.
To overcome this, we used layered diagrams and interactive visuals. These elements allowed readers to explore the depth and breadth of the sociotechnical systems involved in the accident. This dynamic approach helped in illustrating how individual components, human decisions, and technical systems interacted and contributed to the incident. The process involved ensuring that each visual representation was both accurate and informative. We continuously iterated on these designs, incorporating feedback to refine our approach. The challenge was not just to inform but to provide a platform for readers to engage and interact with the content, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in aviation accidents. The result was a narrative that not only told the story of the accident but did so in a way that highlighted the crucial interdependencies within the aviation system.
The Literature Times: As a designer, what role do aesthetics play in conveying the gravity of an incident like the one investigated in the book, without compromising on factual accuracy?
Authors: In “AXB 1344,” aesthetics played a crucial role in conveying the gravity of the incident while maintaining factual accuracy. The visual design needed to evoke the right emotional response, reflecting the seriousness of the accident, yet be respectful to the victims and their families. The color palette, imagery, and overall composition were carefully chosen to align with these objectives.
The hand-drawn line art style with a minimal color palette was selected to maintain a somber tone. This approach ensured that the visuals supported the narrative’s gravity without overshadowing the factual content. Aesthetics, in this context, was not just about visual appeal but about creating an empathetic connection with the readers. It was about finding the delicate balance between artistry and accuracy, ensuring that the design enhanced the story’s impact while remaining true to the facts.
The Literature Times: In your view, how can design thinking and principles be applied to improve communication in the field of aviation safety and accident prevention?
Authors: Design thinking and principles have immense potential to enhance communication in aviation safety and accident prevention. This approach involves understanding the end-users’ needs – in this case, pilots, air traffic controllers, and safety personnel – and tailoring communication tools to improve clarity and accessibility.
One key application is in the redesign of cockpit interfaces and safety manuals. By employing user-centered design, we can create interfaces that are more intuitive, reducing the likelihood of human error. Simplifying complex information into visual formats can enhance comprehension and retention of safety protocols. Moreover, design principles can be leveraged to create more effective training materials. Using engaging visuals and interactive elements can make training more engaging and memorable. This approach also aids in breaking down language barriers, making safety information universally understandable. Incorporating design thinking into aviation safety can lead to more innovative solutions, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and proactive risk management. By prioritizing clear, user-friendly communication, we can significantly contribute to enhancing overall safety in the aviation industry.
The Literature Times: What advice would you give to aspiring designers or communicators who aim to convey complex technical information in a visually compelling manner, as demonstrated in your collaborative work on this book?
Authors: To aspiring designers and communicators looking to convey complex technical information visually, our advice is drawn from our experience with “AXB 1344.” First and foremost, immerse yourself in the subject matter. Understand the technical aspects as deeply as possible, as this will inform your design decisions and ensure accuracy in your visual representations.
Focus on clarity and simplicity. Complex information can be overwhelming, so it’s crucial to break it down into digestible parts. Use visuals to guide the reader through the information, employing diagrams, infographics, and illustrations to elucidate complex concepts. Maintain a cohesive visual language throughout your work. Consistency in design elements such as color schemes, typography, and imagery helps in creating a narrative flow and makes the information more approachable. Engage in iterative design and testing. Feedback from your target audience is invaluable in refining your approach and ensuring that your work resonates with them. Be open to revising and improving your designs based on this feedback.
Balance aesthetics with accuracy. The visual appeal is important to engage the reader, but it should never come at the cost of factual integrity. Every design element should serve the purpose of enhancing understanding without distorting the information. Lastly, approach your work with empathy. Especially in projects like “AXB 1344,” where the subject matter is sensitive, it’s important to be respectful and considerate in your design choices. Your work isn’t just about presenting information; it’s about telling a story that can have a profound impact on your audience.
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