Main News

Think you know UCDS? Control Room Design Myth: UCDS only designs control rooms!   UCDS is recognized as experts in control room design, but that is not all we do. To start with the control room is just a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to effective operations. Just like any building the…

Control rooms are high-stakes environments where quick, clear decision-making is essential. One often-overlooked aspect of control room design is acoustics, which plays a key role in enhancing operator focus, reducing fatigue, and ensuring efficient communication. At User Centered Design Services, we understand how proper acoustic design contributes to overall performance in these critical spaces. Here’s…

  In today’s data-driven world, control room operators handle vast amounts of information. Personalizing control room interfaces enhances efficiency, reduces cognitive load, and improves user satisfaction. Let’s explore the importance, benefits, and strategies for personalizing control room interfaces. Importance of Personalization Control rooms are crucial in industries like transportation, energy, and emergency services. Personalized interfaces…

Think you know UCDS? Human Machine Interface Myth: UCDS only develops HMI Standards? It’s true we develop standards, but we offer far more than that to support the entire HMI lifecycle per ANSI/ISA-101.01. There are many triggers for updating your HMI, including PCS migrations as well as control room updates. HMI design is not just…

Top-tier talent can be the key to successfully managing projects and ensuring operational efficiency. At User Centered Design Services, we understand that attracting the right professionals requires a strategic approach. Here are some essential strategies to help you bring in the best talent for your organization. Define Your Talent Needs Before attracting talent, clarify what…

Think you know UCDS? Alarm Management Myth: UCDS just develops alarm philosophies, right? UCDS offers a full range of alarm management services helping our clients implement a high-performance alarm management system. First of all, do you have a problem? It is more than just about KPIs, although we will take your alarm and event data…

Disclaimer: This article was originally published in Chemical Engineering Progress by Ian Nimmo in 1995. While the content reflects the technology and practices of that time, the core principles and insights remain relevant and valuable in today’s industry.   The U.S. petrochemical industry alone could save up to $10 billion/year by avoiding or at least better…

In today’s interconnected world, control rooms play a critical role in managing and monitoring essential systems across various industries, from energy and transportation to public safety and healthcare. However, with the rise of cyber threats, it is imperative to prioritize cybersecurity within these operations. By implementing a systematic approach to enhance cybersecurity, control room leaders…

Think you know UCDS? Geographic Experience Myth: UCDS only works in North America! We actually work all over the world – just look at the map below! Ian Nimmo, with his experience with the ASM Consortium and UCDS, has visited facilities in over 100 countries – you should see his passports! Although the application of…

Emergency Response During an emergency, the control room becomes the nerve center of operations. It’s where decisions are made, actions are coordinated, and lives can be saved. Designing a control room for crisis management requires careful thought and expertise. The environment must be conducive to quick thinking, clear communication, and seamless collaboration. Here’s how to…

The shift towards renewable energy sources has become a central focus in many industries, including those that operate control rooms. As businesses align their strategies with sustainability goals, the integration of renewable energy presents both a challenge and an opportunity for control room operations. By embracing these energy sources, organizations can enhance operational efficiency, reduce…

Think you know UCDS? Industrial Experience Myth: UCDS only works in Oil and Gas!   In fact, we have worked in pretty much all industry segments, some of which you might think a little unusual. However, we believe that human factors are applicable to any type of operation that has an operator as part of…

The design of control rooms is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and the evolving needs of various industries. As we move into 2024 and beyond, several innovative trends are shaping the future of control room design. These trends aim to enhance functionality, improve ergonomics, and ensure the integration of cutting-edge technologies…

Creating an efficient and ergonomic control room is crucial for optimizing operations and ensuring the well-being of operators. Here are some best practices in control room layout and ergonomics, focusing on key design principles that contribute to success in mission-critical environments. The Importance of Thoughtful Design Enhancing Operator Performance Strategic Monitor Placement: Consider the placement of…

In today’s fast-paced and technologically advanced world, organizations across various industries are recognizing the value of consolidating control rooms. This strategy involves merging multiple control rooms into a single, centralized location, offering numerous advantages. Here are the top five benefits of consolidating control rooms that can transform your operational efficiency and effectiveness.   1. Enhanced…

In the realm of operations management, operational efficiency is key to ensuring safety, product quality, minimizing risks, and optimizing resources. One powerful strategy that continues to gain traction among forward-thinking organizations is control room consolidation. This approach not only centralizes monitoring and response activities but also significantly enhances operational efficiency. Let’s delve into how control…

In mission-critical operations, where split-second decisions are vital, the design of control rooms significantly impacts operational success. Effective control room design focuses on user-centered principles to support operators in executing their responsibilities efficiently and safely. Here’s why it matters:   Enhanced Situational Awareness: A well-designed control room minimizes distractions, optimizes sightlines, and organizes information displays…

  In the dynamic landscape of operations management, the concept of control room consolidation is gaining significant attention. As businesses and organizations seek to optimize their operational efficiencies and enhance safety protocols, the consolidation of operations and control rooms emerges as a compelling solution. But what exactly does control room consolidation entail, and why is…

Please Vote For Dave Lee We are proud to announce that Dave Lee, our UCDS president and friend has been nominated for a position on ISA’s Executive Board. Use the following link to cast your vote.   About Dave David is a Chemical Engineer by training, a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the UK’s IChemE,…

In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial operations, control room consolidations have become a strategic move for many organizations seeking increased efficiency and streamlined processes. While the benefits of consolidation are clear, the process itself can be challenging, often requiring disruptions to day-to-day operations. Let’s explore effective strategies to minimize disruption during a control room consolidation…

  The control room serves as the nerve center for many operations, whether it’s in refining, pipelines, utilities, transportation, surveillance, or emergency services. The staff in these critical environments often have to be prepared for high-stress situations that require constant vigilance to navigate, which can lead to job burnout and turnover. Retaining qualified and trained…

UCDS uses a 6-Step methodology to design a User Centered Control Room to enhance operator performance. The goal is to keep the operator’s attention engaged without relying on alarms. Our methodology is a phased approach, each step in our methodology leads into the next step. Each step has an impact on the design of the control room. We are the only company in the world that uses this 6-step integrated…

On April 2nd at 10:00 central time, Ian is going to present on High-Performance Operator Displays for ISA Pulp and Paper. High-Performance Displays: We design operator displays for situation awareness based on prioritized events that require operator attention using a Level 1 through 4 hierarchy. Operator displays must be designed using human factors rules and…

The iChemE presentation will be on: Applying Human Factors in the Control Room to Achieve High Performance in Operator Response. Ian will present on the 6-step model below:   Register Now Applying Human Factors in the Control Room to Achieve High Performance in Operator Response This presentation will explain many of today’s current challenges with…

Shift work. It’s a given in virtually every work schedule of the process-based industry.  LED (light-emitting diode) lighting has gained traction as the status quo due to its energy efficiency and longevity.  However, the specific characteristics of LED lighting, namely its color temperature and blue light content, can affect the circadian rhythm and sleep patterns…

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses and organizations rely heavily on technology to operate efficiently and effectively. With this reliance comes the need for a central location where all critical operations can be monitored and managed – the command center. A command center, also known as a control room or operations center, is a designated space…

As businesses continue to rely on automation and advanced technology, the need for a reliable alarm management system becomes increasingly important. Alarm systems provide immediate notifications when an issue arises, ensuring that prompt action can be taken to prevent any potential downtime or safety hazards. However, implementing an alarm management system can come at a…

Alarm management is a critical aspect of any organization, as it helps to ensure the safety and security of both individuals and assets. An effective alarm management team plays a vital role in this process by managing alarms efficiently, reducing nuisance alarms, and identifying potential hazards before they turn into major incidents.   Characteristics of…

The ACRNA 2023 conference held in Brisbane was the best yet!   The venue at the Queensland Cricketers Club of the magnificent GABBA had a record 117 delegates gather for 2 full days of control room learnings, sharing, visits and, as usual, plenty of networking.    We were fortunate to have renowned expert Ian “HP HMI” Nimmo…