A human-centred design of a novel user interface that combines submarine systems and integrates augmented reality

Modern submarine control rooms are the outcome of an iterative design process, that incorporates advancing technology, increasing automation, and evolving ways of working. Novel user interfaces that address existing limitations in contemporary submarine systems is one way which future iterations can be optimised. Current systems present optronics information and Radar Electronic Support Measures (RESM) information separately. However, an interface that integrates multiple data sources (combining optronics and RESM) could enhance an operator’s task accuracy, situation awareness, and overall performance. Furthermore, exploring alternative ways of presenting such information, by utilising emerging technologies, may also improve operator performance. An interface of this application requires effective design using a human-centred design approach, which will provide utility to submariners in future submarine control rooms. In total, eleven subject-matter experts participated in two workshops (six in the first and five in the second), aimed at assessing various submarine systems and examining the potential integration of augmented reality (AR) into such systems. The workshops highlighted usability concerns with existing systems and generated recommendations regarding the optimal presentation of integrated sensor data as well as the implementation of AR. The feedback received was then funnelled into a proof-of-concept design, that focused on illustrating keyways in which a system of this nature could be implemented. The workshops demonstrated the efficacy of an iterative design process using a human-centred approach.