Human Systems Integration Used for Optimal Warship Performance

US Navy human systems integration (HSI) engineers at Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Human Performance Laboratory see transformed warship spaces as such that enable Sailors to achieve optimal performance.

The design process does not begin aboard a ship. It begins at the Human Performance Lab where the Navy ship spaces are designed, redesigned, and transformed.

The Wasp-class amphibious landing helicopter dock (LHD) mock-up combat information center (CIC) is a case in point.

Alex Salunga, NSWCDD Surface Combat Systems Group lead, said:

We have a full-scale space analysis effort going on.

The LHD carries 1,200 crew and 1,800 Marines in various detachments.

Jon Dachos, NSWCDD Command Center design lead, added:

After our carriers, the amphibious assault ships are the biggest combatant ships in the Navy.

Some of its other diverse functions include embassy rescues, humanitarian efforts and amphibious assaults.

The HSI tasking for the LHD mock-up required arranging the combat information center space to maximize operational effectiveness, said Salunga. This could be done in a couple of different ways, he added, including taking a look at how to optimize the work performance for some of the individual watch stations.

The process started out with identifying the watch stations we could focus on and identifying some experienced fleet personnel who could provide feedback.

Salunga cited surveys, interviews and a tool known as a “doll house,” which is a portable layout display. Information analyzed in the doll house includes dimensions of the space, number of consoles within the space, and other important equipment.

Another tool the HSI branch uses is the spatial analysis link tool (SALT).

A consensus from the fleet may rank one proposed layout over another or eliminate one altogether.

Salunga commented:

Once we narrow it down to two or three layouts, then we can do a full-scale mock-up.

From there engineers can develop a scenario, bring the fleet in and show them different options. At that point, Sailors engage in a scenario that places them in an environment physically representative of the CIC.

Once the layouts are analyzed, the HSI branch generates a report laying out the process.

In addition to the implementation of simple signs, a doll house and SALT, the HSI branch also uses eye-tracking technology and lighting measurement, among other techniques.

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Press release, Image: US Navy