Ecological interface design for petrochemical applications: supporting operator adaptation, continuous learning, and distributed, collaborative work

Abstract

Future support systems for operators of petrochemical refineries will have to support operator adaptation to unanticipated events, foster continuous learning, and facilitate distributed, collaborative work. This paper describes Ecological Interface Design, a candidate framework for human–computer interface design that has the potential to fulfill these diverse demands. Support for adaptation and continuous learning is demonstrated though the design of a novel operator interface for a fluid catalytic cracking unit. While the framework forms a basis upon which a distributed, collaborative support system may be built, no such design is presented here. The process of the application of the framework is described in detail, including the domain modelling activity and a description of the resulting graphical user interface. Limitations to applying the design approach to operational plants are discussed.