Task-related use of state-of-the-art interaction concepts in control rooms and mobile information and communication technology on site for communication between control room operators and plant employees

The rapid spread of mobile information and communication technologies (IKT) in the work environment raises research questions around their advantages and disadvantages of use. In industries with increasing automation and in modern transport and energy systems, mobile IKT is increasingly being used (smartphones, PDAs, notebooks, mobile measurement and diagnostic devices, etc.). These enable new forms of interaction for the work environment, such as touch and swiping control or voice input. In the work context in particular, it is important to examine how the work organization is influenced when using these technologies. For example, the exchange of information and communication as well as the interaction between colleagues can be positively designed and optimized with regards to workload.

We addressed the issue of stress and workload of operators in control rooms using new interaction concepts and mobile IKT on behalf of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA. The project was integrated into a larger research project of BAuA, in which the potential hazards in control rooms with the use of new IKT were investigated. The aim was to derive conclusions about necessary modifications in work design. Of particular interest were new technologies with which control room operators can inform employees on site in the plant about system statuses or communicate with them.

In the project, we conducted a stress and workload analysis by conducting extensive research on new IKT in control rooms and on relevant design guidelines, combined with on-site inspections and interviews in various control rooms and plants. We then developed a catalog of design recommendations and measures for task and work organization in the use of new IKT. The focus here was on the usefulness and usability of these new tools for actual application in the field.