Areva

Research Grant: Architectural Study of Nuclear Power Plant Control Room Our goal is to integrate the computer interface, the architecture and the operators in a way that increases attention and reduces stress. Our hypothesis is that attention is heightened if the environment is responsive to the occupant, both at software and architectural levels. One proposal will be for a new architectural setting for the information display software that is currently in use. This alternative will seek to position the existing monitors and displays and the operators in ways that minimizes optical and ergonomic stress. We anticipate identifying alternatives for the control room. Additional proposals for attentive user interface design and/or ³serious² gaming interface will be considered for development. These alternatives would change the detail of the display based on the position of the operator¹s face and body in the space or involve the operators continuously in manipulation of the interface.