Smart technologies and human factors for detection during bridge operations

Abstract

The combination of centralised automatic bridge and lock (object) control and the increase in traffic has led to a shift in object operations. In the past years, several incidents and accidents have made RWS see the value of innovation when it comes to the control of objects. This master thesis will, therefore, start with defining which problems are relevant to operators and which solutions benefit them in object operations. To gather inside on the deeper knowledge, experiences and emotions of operators during the operation process, contextmapping was used. Contextmapping enhances the operator’s own understanding of experiences around safe object operations. To validate the contextmapping findings, 13 operators were interviewed using a combination of semi-structured interviews and the Scenes™ method. The results from the contextmapping sessions and interviews were visualised in an operator segmentation and an operator journey map. The segmentation allows for a better understanding of the target group, when to utilise their expertise during the innovation process and how they will react towards specific solutions. A design roadmap containing 5 horizons was created to provide RWS with an innovation strategy for the future of object control. In order to deliver an optimal service for both road and waterway traffic, while accommodating both RWS and the operator’s values the future vision regarding object operations will be: the future of object control will be an all-inclusive system to increase safety and traffic flow on water and land. The concepts proposed in these horizons all contribute to reaching this final vision. Furthermore, it is advised to keep involving the operators throughout every horizon using creative methods.