How to Manage Cognitive Task Load During Supervision and Damage Control in an All-Electric Ship

On one hand, an all-electric ship may take over and support operator tasks in order to improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency on board of a ship. At the other hand, information processing demands seem to increase substantially for the operators in such a ship. Recently, a Cognitive Task Load analysis method was developed for the design of operator tasks and computer support, aiming at optimal load distributions during high-demand situations in current and future naval ships. This paper gives a brief overview of the method, presents results of a task load study in the Multi-purpose frigate of the Royal Netherlands Navy, and summarises current user interface concepts that provide an “integrated view” for supervision and damage control activities in an all-electric ship. Key-Words: Workload, supervision, human-computer interaction, cognitive engineering, task analysis, navy, ship control centre.