Evaluating a digital ship design tool prototype: Designers' perceptions of novel ergonomics software
Journal article, 2017

Computer-aided solutions are essential for naval architects to manage and optimize technical complexities when developing a ship's design. Although there are an array of software solutions aimed to optimize the human element in design, practical ergonomics methodologies and technological solutions have struggled to gain widespread application in ship design processes. This paper explores how a new ergonomics technology is perceived by naval architecture students using a mixed-methods framework. Thirteen Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering Masters students participated in the study. Overall, results found participants perceived the software and its embedded ergonomics tools to benefit their design work, increasing their empathy and ability to understand the work environment and work demands end-users face. However, participant's questioned if ergonomics could be practically and efficiently implemented under real-world project constraints. This revealed underlying social biases and a fundamental lack of understanding in engineering postgraduate students regarding applied ergonomics in naval architecture. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

participatory

usability

acceptance

user

product development

ergonomics

scale engineering design

documentation

Naval architecture

integrating ergonomics

psychometric evaluation

Participatory design

New technology adoption

Engineering

experience

technology

Psychology

Author

Steven Mallam

Chalmers, Shipping and Marine Technology, Nautical Studies

Monica Lundh

Chalmers, Shipping and Marine Technology, Nautical Studies

Scott MacKinnon

Chalmers, Shipping and Marine Technology, Nautical Studies

Applied Ergonomics

0003-6870 (ISSN) 1872-9126 (eISSN)

Vol. 59 19-26

Roots

Basic sciences

Subject Categories

Marine Engineering

DOI

10.1016/j.apergo.2016.08.026

More information

Created

10/8/2017