INTERACTION DESIGN IN SHIP BUILDING: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE INTEGRATION OF THE USER PERSPECTIVE INTO SHIP BRIDGE DESIGN

This study investigates into the involvement of the user in the design process of ship bridges and navigational equipment as seen from the designers’ perspective. Following a qualitative approach, designers were asked about their work habits and guidelines. Four different images of the navigator were identified, ranging from “servant to the engineering” to “power- and skilful bridge manager”. These types evolved from surprisingly different notions on topics such as basics of ergonomic design, human factors and usability, feedback loops in design, and system knowledge of the user. While there was a general interest in usability, interaction design and human factors among designers, there was also evidently a lack of detailed, concrete knowledge. This leads to the conclusion that there are still a number of difficulties with respect to organizational structures and internal as well as external collaboration that hamper integration design. Some possible solutions to these problems are discussed.