Design Exploration of Atlanta Apparatus Instrument Panel

Abstract

The fire department depends on the fire apparatus to support the many roles firefighters fulfill in the community. The instrument panel of the fire apparatus is the primary man-machine interface for controlling the vehicle. The instrument panel contains many gauges and controls for the numerous features of the apparatus. This research reflects the investigation of how the fire apparatus instrument panel is used by the Atlanta Fire Department. Research involves an immersive study observing the Atlanta firefighters. Surveys and a design critique were developed to obtained firefighter feedback. A comparison of similar tasks was completed to Based on the feedback from fire apparatus drivers and captains design concepts were developed. Concepts are desiged to help the driver and the captain of the apparatus.