Shipboard Operations Room Layout Analysis Using Modeling and Simulation

Abstract

The introduction of low-profile consoles into shipboard operations room opens new possibilities to design its spatial layout. A modeling study was conducted to examine six layout options by manipulating two design factors: console orientation and supervisor seat assignment. The quality of each option was evaluated algorithmically based on its support to operator interaction. The results revealed the strengths and weaknesses of each design: face-to-face was found to be superior for supporting visual and auditory communication, face-to-back was better at facilitating tactile interaction, whereas back-to-back was preferable for an operations room where extensive interaction involved operators moving to one another’s workstations. Benefits were also predicted for configurations where supervisors were assigned to a side seat, primarily for improving the cost scores of tactile and distance interaction links. Results from this study strongly support the inclusion of faceto-face setup and alternative supervisor seating assignment as options in future shipboard operations room design.