Interface Design and User Experience for Digital Flight Logbooks: A Case Study in the Aeronautical Field

This study is set within the context of digital transformation in Ecuadorian civil aviation, where challenges persist in the management of physical flight records. The main objective was to design and validate a user experience (UX)-centered digital interface to optimize the flight logbook process. Through a qualitative approach with elements of applied research, the study employed semi-structured interviews, iterative design using Figma, “think aloud” usability tests, and heuristic validation by UX experts. A purposive sample of 12 civil pilots (6 trainees and 6 professionals) was selected based on their familiarity with physical logbooks and use of digital devices. The primary evaluation criterion was the score on the System Usability Scale (SUS), which reached an average of 89/100, categorizing the interface as having “excellent usability.” Secondary results included a 40% reduction in the average time required for data entry and an average of only 1.2 errors per session during usability testing. Additionally, 91% of participants expressed satisfaction with the design, highlighting visual clarity, intuitive navigation, and the ability to operate offline. No significant differences were observed between trainee and professional pilots (ANOVA, p = 0.23), indicating a consistent perception of usability across user profiles. Thematic analysis of the interviews reinforced the quantitative findings and identified five key categories related to ease of use and reliability. The heuristic validation revealed minor improvements in contrast and accessibility, all of which were implemented in the final redesign. The main conclusion is that an interface designed with UX principles not only significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of digital data logging but is also well accepted by users from diverse backgrounds. These findings underscore the potential of user-centered design as a strategic tool for innovation in highly specialized technical sectors such as aviation and lay the groundwork for future functional and institutional integrations. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.