Wahrstätter, Stefan
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Punctuality display in the driver’s cab: Blessing or curse for train drivers?
2022-09-27, Wahrstätter, Stefan, Stoller, Nicole, Brüngger, Jonas, Fischer, Katrin
Energy efficiency is an important topic for the Swiss railway industry – and not only because of the discussion regarding climate change. Currently, train drivers already receive updates on operating times, optimised speed profiles and recommended speed corrections through various assistance systems, enabling punctual and energy-efficient driving. As a further step, researchers at the University of Applied Psychology FHNW Switzerland and the Swiss Federal Railways SBB have now tested another support system in the driver’s cab: the punctuality display. A punctuality display could save train drivers from having to mentally calculate any deviation to the scheduled time themselves and thus keep their attention on safety-relevant tasks. This display may increase the overall system’s transparency and thus enhance perceived control for the train drivers. However, a punctuality display could also cause permanent readjustments to cruising speed and thus increase stress for the train drivers. The aim of the research project was to investigate the potential effects of a punctuality display on the daily work routine of train drivers. Other factors, such as the influence of the train driver’s work experience or the effect of the punctuality display while driving on different routes, were also investigated. In a second step, two different designs of a punctuality display were evaluated to investigate their influence on factors such as stress or distraction and to determine which of the two designs was preferred by train drivers. Or, in somewhat more general terms, the study intended to examine whether additional information systems are beneficial for a system operator because they increase system and process transparency, or whether this additional information is more of a stressor or restricts the operators’ scope for action. To assess these questions, test runs were carried out and assessed through questionnaires. The results show that the punctuality display is evaluated as a supportive tool by the train drivers. Novices rate the punctuality display slightly more positively than experts. When testing the design variants, it became apparent that a simple numeric display was preferred to a bar display. The stress and distraction potential of a punctuality display was generally evaluated as low by the train drivers and the display was not rated as disruptive. As a conclusion, it seems reasonable to provide train drivers with a punctuality display in form of a numerical display in the driver’s cab to support them in their daily work activity.
Distraction and the Use of Modern Communication Devices in the Train Driver's Cab
2022-09-26, Stoller, Nicole, Brüngger, Jonas, Wahrstätter, Stefan, Dittrich, Melisa, Nisoli, Giulio, Hostettler, Karin, Fischer, Katrin
Swiss railway companies provide their train drivers with modern communication devices such as cell phones and tablets. The use of these devices is necessary for train drivers to perform their tasks. However, the use of these devices can distract the drivers to an extent not to be underestimated. Increasing irregularities and unsafe actions, including signals passed at danger, can be attributed at least to a certain extent to the distraction of train drivers by these mobile and other digital devices in the driver’s cab. The final goal of this study was to identify appropriate measures to reduce distraction or its consequences without restricting the scope of action of the train drivers or hindering them in the performance of their primary tasks (i. e., safe train driving). We investigated which digital devices and which of their functions in the driver’s cab lead to distraction in what situations. For this purpose, we conducted 14 qualitative observations in the driver’s cab and six interviews with rail experts. Based on the results, we suggested how to address distraction in the driver’s cab from a work psychology and design perspective. To achieve a holistic approach, we developed measures that address the individual driver as well as the design of technology and the organizational processes. The development and validation of appropriate measures was realized in close collaboration with experts of several railway companies. The outcome is a set of 26 preventive and protective measures. Preventive measures aim to avoid distraction, e.g., by restricting irrelevant information from entering the driver’s cab during the ride. Protective measures reduce the negative consequences of distraction, e.g., the feature of manual and temporary suppression of incoming messages. By carefully selecting and implementing these measures, the railway companies can ultimately support their train drivers to use modern communication devices in the driver’s cab safely and sensibly.
Use of modern communication devices in the train driver's cab – risks and design options
2020-12-02, Stoller, Nicole, Nisoli, Giulio, Brüngger, Jonas, Wahrstätter, Stefan, Dittrich, Melisa, Hostettler, Karin, Fischer, Katrin
Most Swiss railway companies equip their train drivers with modern digital communication devices such as cell phones and tablets. The use of these devices is necessary for train drivers to perform their tasks but has a potential for distraction that should not be underestimated. Increasing irregularities and unsafe actions, including the signals passed at danger, can be attributed at least to a certain extent to the distraction of the train driver by these mobile and other digital devices in the driver's cab. In a research project conducted by the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland together with a Swiss railway company, we investigated which of these digital devices and functions lead to distraction in which situations. Based on this investigation, we analyzed how this problem should be addressed from a work psychology and design perspective. The final goal was to identify appropriate measures to reduce distraction or its consequences without restricting the scope of action of the train drivers or hindering them in the performance of their primary tasks (i.e. safe train driving). In a qualitative approach, we conducted observations of train driving in the driver’s cab and interviews with train drivers and experts. Based on the data obtained and on to the current literature, we conceived the first measures. In order to achieve a comprehensive approach, we developed measures that address the individual train driver as well as measures to improve the design of technology and organizational measures. In a further step, in workshops with other railway professional groups, we discussed and completed these measures in terms of their effectiveness and practicability. The result was a set of 26 preventive and protective measures. Preventive measures have the goal of avoiding distraction, whereas protective measures are conceived to reduce the negative consequences of distraction. While a preventive measure is for e.g. the introduction of attention trainings where train drivers learn to avoid certain distractions, a protective measure is for e.g. the feature of manual and temporary suppression of incoming messages which lead the driver to be distracted by messages but for a shorter duration. By carefully selecting and implementing these measures, the railway company can ultimately support its train drivers in the safe and sensible use of modern communication devices in the driver's cab.