HUMAN-CENTERED DESIGN AT SEA: SEAFARERS’ COMFORT PRIORITIES AS A FOUNDATION FOR DEVELOPING THE MARITIME COMFORT INDEX (MCI)

Abstract

Working and living at sea is a demanding experience that challenges both the physical and psychological probability of living for seafarers. While technological innovation, emissions reduction, and infrastructure development have advanced maritime efficiency, the comfort and well- being of those onboard remain underexplored dimensions of maritime design and sustainability. This study adopts a human-centred design perspective to evaluate seafarers’ perceptions of key onboard comfort factors that influence performance, satisfaction, and quality of life at sea. Six environmental and psychological comfort dimensions—lighting, noise, whole-body vibration, air conditioning quality and ventilation, space arrangement, and psychological comfort—were examined across four functional zones on board: workspaces, accommodation, leisure areas, and corridors. The study introduces a methodological framework that integrates empirical perception data with measurable comfort indicators, forming the basis for a proposed Maritime Comfort Index (MCI). The MCI aims to quantify comfort levels and guide evidence-based improvements in ship interior design and operation. By embedding human comfort into maritime design and regulatory practice, this research contributes to the broader pursuit of sustainable, efficient, and resilient maritime logistics systems that prioritise both safety and well-being.