Designing the Future Ship Bridge: A vision for the future ship bridge on large passenger vessels with a focus on ergonomics, interactions, and the physical work environment

Abstract

The thesis aimed to propose a vision for a future ship bridge design for large passenger vessels. The bridge vision was to satisfy requirements regarding physical layout, ergonomics, and user-centered design while incorporating the latest technological advancements and considering how more advanced automation might affect bridge design in the future. The project was meant to complement an ongoing UX-research project at ABB. The project was initiated with a comprehensive data collection phase involving interviews and multiple field studies of bridges on passenger ships, where the users and the context could be observed. The collected data was analyzed and subsequently transformed into design guidelines. The project proceeded with an iterative ideation phase consisting of idea development, concept development, user evaluations, and lastly the visualization of the final bridge vision. The resulting bridge vision offers a slim, centrally located bridge with a protruding cockpit while also incorporating a spacious workspace design featuring open surfaces and large windows. The bridge provides an almost uninterrupted view all around the horizon with flat, top-out inclined windows to minimize reflections and refractions. The windows can also be dimmed to protect the crew from light distractions and heat. The layout of the bridge includes a central navigation station, a large widescreen setup, an overhead display, an administrative area, and a break area. The T-shaped central control table houses ship control equipment and two multifunctional touchscreens with adaptable card interfaces. The seats offer a flexible working position with the ability to sit, stand, or walk. Smart camera systems replace physical wing bridges, allowing the navigators to have all controls in one place. Finally, a smartwatch provides internal communication tools and health monitoring features to all crewmember onboard the bridge.