Design Optimization Of Control Layout For Naval Mfc (Multi-Function Console) Using A Modified Layout Analysis Method

The purpose of this paper is to determine the optimal layout of controls for naval Multi-Function Console (MFC). Layout analysis procedure was modified with two major phases. (1) Possible layouts that satisfy four ergonomic principles, which are functional grouping, sequence-of-use, frequency-of-use, and importance of controls, were identified. This process involves interview and survey of actual operators for comprehensive understanding of context of use. (2) To evaluate the appropriateness of suggested layout, heuristic evaluation was conducted after performing the given tasks. As a result, additional constraints could be identified during iterative process to result in three optimal layouts. In heuristic evaluation, all of proposed layouts showed no significant differences (p > 0.05), and they were received satisfactory score. Therefore this study evaluated three optimal layouts that can be adopted in hard key panel of naval MFC. Results imply that suggested process can be adopted to construct optimal layout in various fields.