Jan Grippenkoven

Rail Human Factors: Human-centred design for railway systems

Abstract In our Rail Human Factors approach, we define the human as the starting point for our interdisciplinary research on the design of human-machine interfaces in railway systems. Our research is based on three key issues: understanding the user (operator), evaluating existing systems, and developing and testing new concepts. Furthermore, we develop new methods for evaluation and design of railway systems. In the present paper we explain our approach and give examples for its application.

Gaze direction and driving behavior of drivers at level crossings

ABSTRACT International-level crossing statistics reveal that the majority of accidents at level crossings occur due to human error on the part of car drivers. Often, the rather unspecific description of “attentional deficits” is given as the cause of most accidents. In this study, driving data and eye-tracking data were collected during a standardized driving study. Using a research vehicle, the behavior of 24 participants was observed while approaching two level crossings (one with passive protection, the other with active light-signal protection). It turned out that on the last 300 meters of the approach toward level crossings, all of the drivers detected and fixated upon at least parts of the protection layout at both level crossings. Nevertheless, only one third of all participants subsequently derived the right reaction and checked the rails for an oncoming train. Two thirds of the participants did not direct their attention toward the rail tracks. With such deficient gaze behavior, visual detection of a potentially oncoming train is difficult. In addition to the maladaptive gaze patterns, inattentive drivers decelerated significantly less while approaching both level crossings than attentive drivers.

Development of a Situation Awareness Assessment Tool for Rail Signalers

Situation awareness (SA) is of utmost importance for the signaler as part of the infrastructure management in railway operations. However, in previous studies assessing signaler SA, a good performance was accompanied by mediocre results for SA. This unexpected result can be explained using the theory of situated SA, which posits that operators store knowledge important for situation awareness internally as well as externally in the work environment. To further investigate whether the theory of situated SA can be applied in rail signaling, an assessment tool for signaler SA was developed. Furthermore, by applying the developed assessment tool, it can be investigated which factors determine if information is stored externally or internally. Knowing which information signalers store where will help to develop more precise measures to assess and support signaler SA, ensuring a better performance of these crucial operators in the safety and efficiency of the railway system.

Form Follows Vision User-Centred Interface Design for Rail Traffic Controllers´ Workplaces

Abstract In our Rail Human Factors approach, we define the human as the starting point for our interdisciplinary research on the design of human-machine interfaces in railway systems. One key focus of this approach is on the future workplace of the rail traffic controller. In this paper, a collaboration project between human factors scientists and trained rail traffic controllers is presented. Based on the methodological background of usability engineering, an innovative interpretation of the user interface of the German electronic interlocking system (ESTW) was developed. First prototypical propositions for the design of a future interlocking system were generated in an iterative process of design and feedback phases. Here, we made use of the advantages of the domain expertise of the usability experts as well as the rail traffic controllers. The resulting design is characterized by a decluttered central display / control panel on a single monitor.