In a context where operators are at the heart of critical decisions, the quick transformation of control rooms underlines the importance of optimised design. This transformation, driven by the ever-increasing amount of information required to make decisions and decisive physiological factors such as fatigue and stress for operators, reveals three structuring design issues:
These challenges emphasized the importance of a holistic and collaborative approach, an approach that Human design Group has been developing for many years for the most demanding sectors and the most ambitious projects.
At the heart of control room design lies the alignment of ergonomic standards, such as ISO 11064, with standardised project engineering protocols. This synergy ensures the smooth integration of ergonomics from the outset, guaranteeing that every stage, from specification to implementation, complies with rigorous ergonomic principles.
Particular attention is paid to the preliminary analysis, which encompasses an understanding of the issues at stake in the project, the identification of operational needs, and a detailed examination of agent activity. This leads to the establishment of robust planning and organisational principles, guiding the development of well-founded planning scenarios.
These critical phases are illustrated by plans and 3D representations, culminating in a complete consultation file, which includes precise ergonomic justifications, specifications for the layout and furniture, as well as the choice of materials and colours, for a design that combines functionality and well-being.
Preliminary
analysis
Layout
principles
General
specifications
Detailed specifications (DCE/PRO)
In compliance with the requirements of the applicable ergonomics standards (ISO 11064), the design of high-performance control rooms relies on the synergy of a multidisciplinary team. Each member brings unique expertise in a particular aspect of operational efficiency and the quality of the integration of ergonomics into project engineering:
In line with the standardised project engineering approach, once all the ergonomic requirements of operators’ work situations and their operating needs have been established and validated, fitting-out projects must be able to translate these requirements into technical and budgetary constraints.
It is crucial for the alignment and acceptability of developments by their stakeholders (operators, project owners, engineers, etc.) to use simulations of workspaces and the efficiency of operating activities as early as possible in the engineering project and at a reduced cost (vs. physical scale models).
The adoption of advanced simulation technologies, such as 3D modelling and virtual reality, has transformed control room design by enabling immersive visualisation of spaces and operational efficiencies even before physical construction, providing early validation of concepts and reducing the costs and risks associated with late modifications.
As early as the sketch phase, simulations facilitate the approval of spatial layouts, the macro-location of furniture and the optimisation of traffic flows, while the advanced design phases enable detailed validation of tactile, visual and organisational aspects. This approach significantly improves the acceptability of layouts by stakeholders, ensuring that layout solutions precisely meet operational and ergonomic needs.
Simulation tools are particularly effective in these engineering phases:
In addition to digital modelling and immersion in representative and interactive environments (simulation ecology), it is necessary to rely on a methodology (protocol) for experimental evaluation in ergonomics, human factors and organisation. This will provide objective information on operational requirements and their translation into useful data for project engineering.
The efficient layout of a control room addresses cross-cutting issues:
Contact us to find out more about our solutions for your control room layout challenges.
