Development of an Ergonomic Console Layout Optimization Method Using Priority-Based Branch-and-Bound Algorithm and Clustering Analysis

Designing an optimal component layout for an ergonomic console is important for the effective and efficient operation by its users. This study developed a console layout optimization method using a priority-based branch-and-bound algorithm and a clustering analysis. The proposed method starts with a priority-based branch and bound algorithm which searches all feasible layouts having scores higher than a designated score (e.g., 80 out of 100). Next, the objective function computes scores for the searched layouts by considering four allocation criteria (importance, frequency, sequence of use, and functional grouping) and two ergonomic criteria (reach and visibility). Lastly, the clustering analysis on the searched layouts extracts a small number of representative layouts for a designer to select the most preferred. The proposed layout optimization method was applied to component layout design of a radar console to examine its effectiveness.