| 1. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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A case study of user adherence and software project performance barriers from a sociotechnical viewpoint
- 2019
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Ingår i: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing. - Cham : Springer International Publishing. - 2194-5365 .- 2194-5357. ; 787, s. 12-23
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- A marine propeller company and a technical university collaborated to optimize the company’s existing propeller design software. This paper reviews the project based on a sociotechnical perspective to organizational change on (a) how the university-company project and user involvement were organized, and (b) what the main management barriers were and why they may have occurred. Fieldwork included interviews and observations with university and company stakeholders over thirteen months. The data was analyzed and sorted into themes describing the barriers, such as lack of a planned strategy for deliverables or resource use in the project; the users exhibited low adherence towards the optimized software, as well as there was limited time and training allocated for them to test it. Lessons learned suggest clarifying stakeholder roles and contributions, and engaging the users earlier and beyond testing the software for malfunctions to enhance knowledge mobilization, involve them in the change and increase acceptance.
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| 2. |
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| 3. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988
(författare)
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Human Centred Design for Maritime Safety: A User Perspective on the Benefits and Success Factors of User Participation in the Design of Ships and Ship Systems
- 2016
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Licentiatavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- For over six decades, Human Centred Design (HCD) has been considered a desired design approach for the implementation of Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) knowledge and methods for understanding the needs of the end-users. Although other comparable frameworks exist, they can be seen as subcategories or as tools for HCD, as HCD is considered by some as an overarching approach. This design approach has gradually been integrated into different fields, but engineering sciences have been more reluctant towards embracing its adoption. Although these challenges may be explicable – one of them being that HF/E methods are often not immediately understood and applicable in industrial settings – the maritime sector has begun to overcome these challenges and to understand and highlight the impact of the human element on the safety and efficiency of maritime operations and environmental protection. Nevertheless, more initiative and attention to HF/E is needed. Thus, the work considered in this thesis takes a proactive approach towards the integration of HCD in the maritime domain by involving maritime end-users in a discussion about the opportunities of human-centred and participatory design. This was done through two focus group interviews with two different participant samples of end-users, with special focus on the navigation of merchant vessels. The analysis of the focus group interviews was guided by a Grounded Theory approach. The work presented in this thesis is part of the project Crew-Centered Design and Operation of Ships and Ship Systems (CyClaDes), supported by funds from the European Commission and its Seventh Framework Programme. The CyClaDes project intended to promote the increased potential impact of HF/E and HCD knowledge on ship design and operations, by understanding where and how to best integrate it and where and how barriers to its integration occur. The findings in this thesis highlight HCD and its participatory principle as a means to attain a set of benefits at a physical, cognitive, psychosocial, organizational, and socio-political levels, and ultimately attain safer maritime operations. The results suggest that successful integration of a human-centred and participatory design philosophy in the maritime domain should include more and appropriate user representativeness within design, rule-making and purchasing to bridge the gap between the requirements of the users and of other stakeholders, between design and usability. The benefits of, and the prerequisites for, successful HCD integration within the complex sociotechnical system of shipping describe a holistic model for maritime HCD.
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| 4. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988
(författare)
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Human-centred design for maritime technology and organizational change
- 2018
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Context: The shipping industry is undergoing a transitional phase at different levels, including IMO’s e-Navigation initiative, and with this comes the need to use a human-centred design (HCD) approach to avoid accidents linked to automation issues, and to cater for the maintenance of safety and efficiency within this global transport system. Aims: The aim of this thesis is to investigate the value and challenges in HCD practice and how ergonomics/human factors (E/HF) principles can be introduced, as well as what gaps and opportunities exist in current standard operations and technologies in navigation that can potentially be followed upon by future e-Navigation developments, not only from a technological perspective but also regulatory, operational etc. Methods: This thesis derives from the work of six appended articles that mainly utilized a qualitative approach to data collections, including focus groups, interviews and observations, and to data analyses, such as narratives and a grounded theory approach. In total, two design teams and four separate sets of onboard and shore-based operators were consulted for data collection. Results: The results from the appended papers suggest that user involvement in design as well as in rule making and purchasing of new ship equipment was perceived as important for a good work environment, and efficient and safe operations onboard in this safety-critical industry. The results show that design projects are situated experiences that involve complex tasks and resource management, and that require re-iterative adaptations throughout the process. In involving the users and implementing E/HF methods, support from the management is needed and professional E/HF expertise should be a part of the team to help interpret E/HF methods and guide the process to foster continuous knowledge sharing within the team, the organization and with the users from an early stage. When investigating current operations and technologies in navigation, it was evident that gaps exist that can be improved by the redesign of current technologies or the implementation of novel e-Navigation solutions. For example, there is a large number of unintegrated systems and information sources today, and everyday routines and information across geographical areas and communication channels are not unified. Technology concepts and developments towards the e-Navigation principles have been considerably debated, yet there are still gaps that can be filled, and despite e-Navigation’s principle for HCD, the holistic – macro – perspective of the development of these new technologies seems to be under-exploited. Conclusions: Filling the existing gaps with available novel technologies is not enough to guarantee efficiency and safety in the domain, nor to guarantee acceptance. A more systemic perspective is needed, of how the different people and processes in the sea transport system can be affected by the introduction of new technology in terms of how work is performed, of regulations, new training and re-skilling, as well as of preparation for new issues that may arise with increased automation such as workload and cyber-security. This work points at the value and practice of E/HF and systems-driven design, and directs it at change makers and opinion leaders: designers, managers, rule-makers, educators, to consider the human element for safety and efficiency. In this transitional stage, one of the great values of E/HF is to more proactively prepare the shipping industry for the ongoing e-Navigation changes rather than having the industry adapt operations, regulations, training and plan the sustainability of the transport system ad hoc after technology implementation.
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| 5. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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Implementing human centred design in the context of a graphical user interface redesign for ship manoeuvring
- 2017
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Ingår i: International Journal of Human Computer Studies. - : Elsevier BV. - 1095-9300 .- 1071-5819. ; 100, s. 55-65
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Human Centred Design (HCD) has been well-established in industrial and interaction design since the 1990's. HCD has a significant role to play as maritime industries struggle to retain the best crews and decrease risk in terms of human and environmental safety. This case study describes a test of an HCD approach, conducted within the European Commission project Crew-centred Design and Operations of Ships and Ship Systems (CyClaDes) under its Seventh Framework Programme. The HCD case study was undertaken by a design team at a partner firm for the redesign of a bridge wing conning display (a ship manoeuvring system) in their full mission ship bridge simulator. This paper summarizes the findings from the case study and discusses them from the perspective of the challenges, benefits, and most effective ways to introduce and use HCD in firms in the maritime sector unfamiliar with the concept. The authors of this paper performed observations, interviews and focus groups at regular intervals, augmented with reports and a resource survey completed by the design team. The conclusions highlight the impact of industrial context and constraints on the application of the HCD approach, as well as the impact of who applies HCD, of how it is depicted in literature and perceived by HCDnovice teams.
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| 6. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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Introduction to human-centred design for naval architects and designers
- 2015
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- The purpose of this chapter is to provide naval architects and designers with fundamental guidelines for the practice of Human-centred Design (HCD). The guidelines presented here originate from well-established principles in scientific literature and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in their most recent standard for HCD in interactive systems – ISO 9241-210:2010.HCD is characterised as a design framework comprised in the scope of usability engineering, which is, in turn, comprehended in the discipline of human factors/ergonomics. This chapter details the basic principles of human factors/ergonomics and usability. It then discusses how they may be achieved in the design process using principles, methods and tools associated with HCD.
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| 8. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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Non‑technical communication factors at the Vessel Traffic Services
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cognition, Technology and Work. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1435-5558 .- 1435-5566. ; 20:1, s. 63-72
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study done at the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) explored how the VTS operators (VTSOs) communicated with ships and other actors in the maritime sociotechnical system and how decisions were made with regard to assisting traffic in maintaining safe passage in port areas, where most vessel movements are seen and accidents occur. The fieldwork was done during four independent visits to a VTS centre under the Swedish Maritime Authority, with a total sample of six VTSOs and one VTS instructor. The qualitative data were sorted and coded using a grounded theory approach. The data pointed at non-technical information processing and communication factors that play a role in decision-making and ultimately in safety. During protocol operations at the VTS, these factors influenced how VTSOs judged the skills of the vessels’ bridge teams, and how they approached them. This is a time where much effort is being put into upgrading technological systems, and these will have the power to change the ways in which the maritime network obtains and processes information, as well as how they can communicate with each other. The further development of technological systems, work protocols and training programmes can benefit from taking the soft aspects of communication and the needs of the operators and their tasks into account for the enhancement of safety.
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| 9. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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Perceived success factors of participatory ergonomics in ship design
- 2015
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Ingår i: Occupational Ergonomics. - : IOS Press. - 1359-9364 .- 1875-9092. ; 12:4, s. 141-150
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The more complex and perilous a sociotechnical system is, the more crucial it is to have users and other relevant stakeholder groups in focus throughout its design lifecycle. In the design and development of ships and ship systems, there has been resistance towards the integration of ergonomic principles through a human-centred approach as well as to involving the user. This inattention can result in an inadequate design, which may have negative repercussions on usability, ultimately threatening the safety of onboard operations, overall system performance and the well-being of the crew.OBJECTIVE: This study explores the perceived success factors of participatory ergonomics based on the standpoint of young seafarers.METHODS: Such is achieved by examining a focus group with cadets inspired by Grounded Theory approach.RESULTS: The findings reveal user participation as a designer’s essential contact with reality, provided that a set of pre-conditions that supports the success of participatory ergonomics can be fulfilled: involving the right users and filling in the gap between end-user needs and ship-owner requirements. The consequent success factors are described at a usability level, an intrinsic level for the end-users, and ultimately at the level of increased safety and efficiency.CONCLUSIONS: User input may not only affect design as an outcome, it may also influence the way participatory ergonomics is performed in the maritime sector.
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| 10. |
- Almeida Costa, Nicole, 1988, et al.
(författare)
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Testing Proof of Concept of a Web-Based Ship Manoeuvring Training Tool in the Classroom
- 2019
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Ingår i: Proceedings of Ergoship 2019. - 9788293677048 ; , s. 1-10
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Currently, real-time ship manoeuvring simulations are confined to static environments e.g., desktop/full-mission bridge simulators. Seaman Online™ is a novel web-based ship manoeuvring training tool allowing students and professional mariners to practice manoeuvres in ports and confined waters from their personal computers. This paper describes the tool’s first-time implementation in a Master Mariner university programme. The students were asked to complete a post-questionnaire regarding their use experience and the results were discussed between the course instructors and the toolproviding organization at two debriefings. The aim was to obtain feedback about (a) the usefulness of the tool in manoeuvring training; (b) further design improvements and usability; and (c) how to best incorporate it into the programme curriculum in coming academic years for improved user experience. Results revealed usability and maturity issues and the need for further guidance on simulation-based training objectives and limitations. Overall, the tool’s usefulness and potential in individual manoeuvring training were demonstrated.
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