A human centred approach to optimise human performance in complex marine environments and habitable spaces

摘要

The design, size and layout of submarine habitable spaces impacts people's ability to work, rest, sleep, engage in exercise and recreation. In addition, attracting and retaining talented people is important for the future submarine force and living conditions and habitability are factors that impact retention. In addition, managing crew fatigue and subsequently increasing operational effectiveness, is a significant challenge to ensure optimum decision making under challenging circumstances; part of this is ensuring the environment is designed to meet user needs. In order to develop better habitable spaces a human-centred design (HCD) development and assurance methodology, including the application of anthropometric data, was developed for the Australian Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). The first application of the method was the design of sleeping berths, galleys and messes for submarines. An HCD approach will develop environments that can help reduce mental and physiological fatigue enhancing submariner cognitive performance and decision making as well as improving recruitment and retention. While HCD is an established discipline it is underutilised in shipbuilding and the early implementation of HCD in projects will provide improved outcomes for users.