Design on new offshore workstation

The work station is developed to meet the needs and challenges in offshore service vessels (OSV), and it sets a new standard in the integration of navigation, control and maneuverings functions for the aft bridge.  It provides access to all major control systems within easy reach of the seated operator, states Hareide, and ensures complete situational awareness.

The design
The design of the Kongsberg K-Master operator chair is based on functionality, simplicity, user experience and evolution of the established Kongsberg Maritime identity. By user testing and modern technology, such as touch screens and multifunctional levers, the result is a clean and intuitive design with reduction of buttons and interaction elements.

With a distinct silhouette based on a circular theme and sharp, clean cuts, the K-Master has a strong identity immediately recognizable as a Kongsberg product. Its machined aluminum frame has advanced detail shapes also rendering the circular theme in two axes with extreme precision to express the highest quality. The centre top panel follows the curves form the side profiles, but is recessed in the interaction area forward to give an optimized user situation. The levers are compact with small grips to save space and to fit a hand. Simple geometric shapes and clever use of form to indicate direction creates a sophisticated and advanced look. To minimize the number of different levers, all information is displayed as digital numbers. The base plate on the levers has the same size to allow modularity and variations of arrangement. The seat is shaped as if cut out of an ellipsoid, with a hard shell back and black soft interior. The seat back is made narrow in the upper section to allow good arm swing.