CONNECT Cab Fitment
London Underground
Background
CONNECT is a new communications system that will replace a mix of analogue systems with an optical fibre high speed transmission network that integrates telephony, data, customer information and video transmission.
Project
CCD won a number of contracts to provide ergonomics support to London Underground in the roll out of CONNECT equipment within control rooms and train cabs. For the cab fitment project, CCD undertook ergonomics assessments within Victoria Line Class '67 train cabs to establish the most usable and ergonomically compliant location for the CONNECT train radio which included a radio control head, handset, speaker and aerial control box.
Implementation
We advised LUL on equipment placement, on-screen information presentation, keypad interfaces (MMI), alarm, ring tone and audio alert design, ATO interfaces and installation requirements. The radio system has an audio alarm for OPO. CCD ran in-cab fitment trials with drivers to establish the most appropriate location for equipment. Trials considered user anthropometry (body size), readability of dot matrix screen messages and audibility of ring tones and alarms from the driving position, reach to equipment and installation conflicts such as headstrike and interfaces with fixed structure such as bulkheads, doors and other equipment.
Outcomes
We delivered a project that achieved our core objectives of providing practical advice to the client as well as engaging the user community in the process. The combination of fitment trials with the production of full engineering drawings and evidence of ergonomics compliance enabled smooth and efficient project approval.
For more information
Further information on London Underground can be found at www.tfl.gov.uk/tube
More information on Connect can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connect_Project