Ergonomic design of ships galleys

Master thesis project ErgoS Human Factors Engineering (Enschede, Netherlands)

Background
All ships/vessels have a galley. The size and layout of the galley should be tuned to the number of
persons on board. Other factors relevant for the design of a galley are the locations and
measurements of storage facilities, logistics of materials and waste, presentation and counter for food,
routing, seating of guests, and dish washing facilities.
Usually the design of the galley is not of major interest to the naval architect or a shipyard. One tends
to copy existing layouts from earlier build vessels. Engineers working on it may not have much
knowledge on the use of the galley. Cooking staff complains about the galley: they are so old
fashioned. New technology is hardly being applied.

Assignment
ErgoS HF Engineering requires a standardized approach for the optimal design of galleys for vessels
of different sizes (i.e. 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 persons on board). The standard approach should include
design guidelines and a general structure for the detailed specification of a design.
Every ergonomic design should be based on an extensive situation/task analysis. ErgoS will try to find
some situations for analysis. For at least one vessel, the project shall demonstrate the result of the
design approach. For example, a full detailed specification should be made, preferably including 2D
and 3D images.

Practicalities
- Student is expected to do a small part of his work at the Enschede office of ErgoS, though most of
the work may be done at the University.
- Guidance will be given by experienced HF consultants with scientific background. Several ship
layout projects are available for reference.
- ErgoS will try to embed this student assignment into an ongoing project and get some funding
from the ships owner. This may take some time, and will require flexibility from the student.
- Travelling costs will be paid for on a level of 2nd class public transportation or 0.19/km. In case
of flying, student is expected to book cheap tickets. Details can be discussed at the start of the
project. Furthermore, a reasonable allowance will be granted to cover the costs of staying in
Enschede.

Contact
If you are interested in the project, please contact Lars-Ola Bligrd at Division Design & Human
Factors, lars-ola.bligard@chalmers.se