Development of a method for finding a better display and control layout through random search and incremental improvement

Abstract

A display and control layout design should be ergonomically sound, and, at the same time, be able to satisfy user preference. This study developed a display and control layout design method based on ergonomics design principles and user preference. The proposed layout design method adopts a multi-criteria heuristic algorithm to find the layout design that maximizes ergonomic conformance and user preference. The method consists of two phases, the generation phase and the evaluation phase. In the generation phase, two types of generation methods are performed independently: 1) a random search for finding ergonomically sound arrangements, and 2) incremental improvement performed by improving existing layout designs to identify similar yet ergonomically improved layout designs. The incremental improvement is based on the assumption that layout designs similar to the existing layouts are likely to be preferred by the operators due to their similarity. In the evaluation phase, the layout design alternatives obtained in the search phase are evaluated in terms of both ergonomic excellence and user preference. Afterwards, the Pareto optimal solutions are obtained. Finally, a single optimal solution is determined among all Pareto optimal solutions through a consensus process between stakeholders. A case study is presented to demonstrate the method, using the example problem of designing the train drivers display-control interface inside a railway cab. The results show that the generated layout design is indeed in accordance with the ergonomics design principles and satisfies user preference.