Usability in the maritime industry

The usability of systems is described in terms of the efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction of users performing tasks with the system in a defined context of use. This goal-based view of system performance offers considerable benefits in design.

The usability of systems is described in terms of the efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction of users performing tasks with the system in a defined context of use. This goal-based view of system performance offers considerable benefits in the design and acceptance of the increasing range of marine computer- based systems. 

Targets for usability are defined and met through Human-Centred Design which entails the following project activities:

• Understanding and specifying the context of use;
• Specifying the user and organizational requirements;
• Producing design solutions;
• Evaluating designs against requirements.

And, by observing the following principles:

• The active involvement of users and a clear understanding of user and task requirements;
• An appropriate allocation of function between users and technology;
• Iteration of design solutions;
• Multi-disciplinary design.

The maritime environment presents potential challenges to the existing range of methods and techniques. The inaccessibility of the working environment, the ‘make do’ attitude of the seafarer, the need for detail on seafarer culture and communication, and long operating life of marine systems requires all parties to work from a detailed context of use statement.

Furthermore, the high complexity of integrated systems, the uniqueness of each ship’s design and the dependence on (and lack of seafarer input to) prescriptive standards requires a detailed and carefully maintained specification of user requirements. From a process point of view the emphasis on contract, short design and build times, low profit margins and the number of equipment suppliers to each ship, requires management commitment to achieving usability.

Despite these challenges usability is starting to be used in the marine sector. However, work has so far emphasised new building and bridge operations and thus missed the easier targets of office and control systems, especially in retrofit.

For further information go to: www.usabilitynet.org