Etienne Louis Vincent Mathieu Gernez

• Simian, Ricardo; Fauske, Jon Erling; Eilertsen, Emilie Berg; Nordby, Kjetil & Gernez, Etienne (2026). Designing Interfaces for the Integration of AI Agents in Maritime Navigation and Control: Potentials, Guidelines, Risks, and Emerging Requirements. In Misra, Sanjay; Kjølerbakken, Kai Morgan & Braarud, Per Øivind (Ed.), International Conference on Human Centric Artificial Intelligence (ICHCAI): First International Conference, ICHCAI 2026. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). ISSN 9798331551186. p. 1–10. doi: 10.1109/ichcai70183.2026.11607647. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The maritime sector is both vast and crucial for society on a global scale. At the same time, it is extremely complex, relies on multiple information flows, operates in constantly changing conditions, integrates hazardous environments, and depends on critical human decision-making informed by all the previous elements. Such an environment arguably constitutes fertile ground for AI-powered optimisation, ranging from warning systems to co-pilot functions to autonomous vessels. These AI integrations would benefit from standard user interface design practices to ensure they are well integrated into mariners’ work. There are potential benefits, as well as risks and challenges, inherent in attempting such an integration. Reviewing these elements informs the requirements for designing the user interfaces for this purpose. This paper discusses the emerging picture of the qualities, conditions, and requirements, as well as the implications of the implemented design decisions.

• Nzongo, Filipe Landu; Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2026). An eco-feedback framework for user interface design to support maritime decarbonization. International Shipbuilding Progress. ISSN 0020-868X. 72(2), p. 89–121. doi: 10.1177/0020868x261436219. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Decarbonization of the maritime industry requires fostering habits and conditions that enable operators to make energy-conscious decisions. User interface (UI) design can play a key role in developing strategies to enhance user awareness and motivation. Specifically, UI design can implement feedback mechanisms that help users better understand the consequences of their actions on energy consumption. This approach has demonstrated measurable reductions in energy use in domains such as automotive systems and home appliances. However, research on eco-feedback and its implementation through UI design remains limited in the maritime context. We aimed to address this gap by conducting a systematic review of eco-feedback research and developing an eco-feedback framework (EFF) for UI design. We identified 39 strategies for providing feedback on a UI. These strategies were organized and synthesized into a design framework, the EFF. We illustrate the proof of concept of the EFF with a maritime example: a cruise control system that regulates a ship's speed and power use. Finally, we discuss other potential applications of the EFF in UI design research and conclude by highlighting its importance in fostering habits and conditions for energy-conscious decision-making in the maritime industry.

• Gernez, Etienne; Mallam, Steven; Nordby, Kjetil; Fauske, Jon Erling; Johansen, Bijan & Sandnes, Borgar Kløve [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2026). The ROC Architecture Framework for Remote Ship Operations, HUMAN FACTORS IN REMOTE SHIP OPERATIONS. Taylor & Francis. ISSN 9781003586883. doi: 10.4324/9781003586883-5. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Remote ship operations are becoming a practical reality, driving the need for well-designed user interfaces (UIs) in remote operation centres (ROCs). These UIs

• Bassey, Gift; Ebaretonbofa-okonji, Susan; Nordby, Kjetil; Gernez, Etienne & Mallam, Steven (2025). A Systematic Curriculum Review of Ship Energy Efficiency Content Across Global Maritime Education and Training Institutions. Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics International (AHFE International). 186, p. 565–573. doi: 10.54941/ahfe1006546. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The maritime industry is a significant contributor of total energy consumption worldwide and by extension, environmental impact. In the effort to transition towards more sustainable operations, a multifaceted approach is being taken to address energy management issues, new and alternative energy sources from regulatory, technological, and organizational applications. Seafarers, particularly deck officers and marine engineers, play a pivotal role in ship operations, managing and executing missions and onboard systems. The different aspects of energy utilization as related to maritime operations are continuously evolving for better efficiency and reduced impact on the environment therefore the seafarers who operate these systems require updated trainings with new and differing competencies and skillsets to ensure they are prepared for operating and maintaining these different systems. This may include, but not limited to, alternative energy sources, power generation and storage, fuel consumption estimation, energy consumption optimization, route and operation optimization, air pollution and resulting fuel residue. This paper investigates the extent to which maritime education and training (MET) institutions incorporate energy efficiency management into their curricula for seafarers. The primary goal of this paper is to determine the current education content, identify gaps, assess the readiness, and propose a pathway forward for MET institutions to better prepare current and future seafarers to implement energy efficiency strategies onboard ships.The review assessed the current state of training curriculum of deck officers and marine engineers across 69 maritime institutions from around the world which are members of the International Association of Maritime Universities (IAMU), assessing the integration of energy efficiency management into their marine engineering and nautical science programs. The online curriculum review revealed that 16% of the marine engineering programs included direct references to energy efficiency management, while 58% had no related courses listed. The remaining 22% had potential relevance to energy efficiency through courses on automation, ship design, environmental management; and 4% were related through the description of program results. For nautical science programs, the result showed even less relatable courses to energy efficiency management, with 7% of the reviewed programs including related courses. The majority (71%) had no relevant courses, while 19% were indirectly related through modules on environmental regulation or maritime law and 3% were related through the description of program results. The results of this curriculum review reveal lack of comprehensive energy management courses which may leave future seafarers unprepared to meet industry expectations or regulatory requirements once graduated. The global maritime industry’s regulator, the International Maritime Organization, has developed a number of relevant courses on the topics of climate change and shipping response, energy efficiency regulations and related guidelines, from management to operation, shipboard energy management, ship-port interface and energy efficiency, energy management plans and systems. These courses can serve as a guide for maritime institutions to develop effective modules and educational content on energy efficiency management and imbed more centrally within seafarer curricula. This initial mapping of current MET curricula on energy efficiency topics serves as a basis for further development of education and training program content within our research project to ultimately meet the evolving needs and demands of the industry, while ensuring MET institutions stay relevant and develop well equipped and skilled graduates to enter the industry.

• Nordby, Kjetil; Fauske, Jon Erling; Gernez, Etienne & Mallam, Steven (2024). A User Interface Design Framework for Augmented-Reality-Supported Maritime Navigation. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (JMSE). 12(3). doi: 10.3390/jmse12030505. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil; Dreyer, Simon Archer Goulden; Burås, Theodor Daniel & Fauske, Jon Erling (2023). How virtual reality is used in industrial maritime design processes: Two case studies. Ocean Engineering. ISSN 0029-8018. 283. doi: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.115091. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil; Eikenes, Jon Olav Husabø & Hareide, Odd Sveinung (2020). A review of augmented reality applications for ship bridges. Necesse. ISSN 2464-353X. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present a state-of-the art analysis of Augmented Reality (AR) applications for ship bridge operation. We compiled and reviewed what type of use cases were published, what type of maritime applications have been adapted to AR, how they were prototyped and evaluated and what type of technology was used. We also reviewed the user interaction mechanisms, information display and adaptation to maritime environmental conditions. Our analysis shows that although there are many examples of AR applications in ship bridges, there is still much work that needs to be done before these solutions can be suitably adapted to commercial settings. In addition, we argue there is a need to develop design requirements and regulations that can guide the safe development of AR.

• Nordby, Kjetil; Gernez, Etienne; Frydenberg, Synne Geirsdatter & Eikenes, Jon Olav Husabø (2020). Augmenting OpenBridge: An open user interface architecture for augmented reality applications on ship bridges. In Bertram, Volker (Eds.), 19th International Conference on Computer and IT Applications in the Maritime Industries. Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg. ISSN 9783892207177. p. 180–195. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Connecting Ship Operation and Architecture in Ship Design Processes. Journal of Ship Production and Design. ISSN 2158-2866. 35(1), p. 88–101. doi: 10.5957/JSPD.180016. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  It is challenging to deal with the operation of ships by crew members in ship design processes. This is important because the efficiency and safety of ship operations ultimately depends on the ability of human operators to use the technological systems designed for them, no matter how well the technology might perform. The challenge is that there are limited ship design processes combining coherent coevolution of ship architecture and ship operation. I propose a framework that helps ship designers connect the operation of ships by human operators with the design of ships and ship systems.

• Nordby, Kjetil; Gernez, Etienne & Mallam, Steven (2019). OpenBridge: Designing for Consistency Across User Interfaces in Multi-Vendor Ship Bridges. In Lützhöft, Margareta Holtensdotter (Eds.), Ergoship 2019. Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. ISSN 9788293677048. p. 60–68. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil; Seim, Øyvind; Brett, Per Olaf & Hauge, Rune (2018). Human-centered, collaborative, field-driven design - A case study, IMDC 2018: 13th International Marine Design Conference. CRC Press. ISSN 9781138541870. p. 291–305. Full text in Research Archive
• Schaathun, Hans Georg; Tran, Que; Tollefsen, Mikael & Gernez, Etienne (2017). Data and knowledge manangement in field studies A case for semantic technologies. NIKT: Norsk IKT-konferanse for forskning og utdanning. ISSN 1892-0713. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Ship design is a knowledge-intensive industry. To design safe ship systems for demanding operations, there is an increasing need for comprehensive knowledge of the operational context. Field studies is an important source of relevant knowledge, but current methods and information systems do not realise their full potential. In this paper, we discuss how the field data can be modelled semantically, integrated with relevant domain models, and be more effectively made available to the organisation. We propose a data model and a software architecture to facilitate the collaborative data analysis and modelling process favoured by designers.

• Nordby, Kjetil; børresen, stian & Gernez, Etienne (2016). Efficient Use of Virtual and Mixed Reality in Conceptual Design of Maritime Work Places. In Bertram, Volker (Eds.), 15th International Conference on Computer and IT Applications in the Maritime Industries - COMPIT '16. Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg. ISSN 9783892206903. p. 390–400. doi: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4067.2882. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present a system that enables real time scanning of human avatars for use in virtual reality supported design processes. The system uses off-the-shelf 3D sensors to generate high-density 3D meshes and high resolution textures of human beings in real-time. Designers can insert real time avatars in virtual scenes using a game engine. Informal preliminary tests of the system, in context of ship bridge design, suggest that the system is capable of enabling effective human-to-human communication in virtual reality supported participatory design.

• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2015). Designing for project collaboration in the maritime industry. In Ukjent, Ukjent (Eds.), Marine Design 2015. 2-3 September 2015, London. The Royal Institution of Naval Architects. ISSN 9781909024427. p. 65–71. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2014). Enabling a service design perspective on ship design. The International Journal of Marine Design (IJMD). 156(C1), p. 29–41. Full text in Research Archive

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• Gernez, Etienne (2026). OpenBridge case: Wind propulsion. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present the latest updates in the Wind propulsion content for OpenBridge

• Gernez, Etienne (2026). Research update from the OpenBridge related projects - March 2026 update. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present a summary of all the recent research produced in the context of projects built on the design system OpenBridge

• Gernez, Etienne; Lockertsen, Hanne & Wildhagen, Sunniva Lislevand (2026). Designing user interfaces for zero-emission ships: an introduction to OpenBridge. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present ongoing research in OpenBridge projects related to the design of user interfaces for zero-emission ships, as a part of a course on how to use OpenBridge for naval architecture students and researchers.

• Gernez, Etienne (2025). Research update from the OpenBridge related projects. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  We present a summary of all the recent research produced in the context of projects built on the design system OpenBridge

• Gernez, Etienne (2025). The use of interface design in maritime decarbonisation and other applications: recent progress with OpenBridge. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Lecture to Lloyds Register's Technical Directorate

• Gernez, Etienne (2024). The OpenZero research process. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Fauske, Jon Erling & Nordby, Kjetil (2024). An online, real-time, collaborative, immersive tool for early-phase, operation-centric maritime design. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2024). State of the art on eco-feedback research for energy efficiency in the maritime industry. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2023). A user-centred exploration of Virtual Reality for collaborative maritime design. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2023). An introduction to writing research funding applications. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2023). Ongoing cases in remote operation centre workspace design. Full text in Research Archive
• Nordby, Kjetil; Gernez, Etienne & Mallam, Steven (2023). Developing User Interface Standards for Energy-Conscious and Safe Maritime Operations. Journal of Ocean Technology. ISSN 1718-3200. Full text in Research Archive
• Nordby, Kjetil; Gernez, Etienne & Mallam, Steven (2022). Why digital user interfaces matter for ship owners. HANSA - International Maritime Journa. 09, p. 54–60. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2020). A 10-day course to plan and execute field studies for maritime design processes, RINA Conference presentation. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Reflections on OPAR as a framework for user experience driven design of public spaces in different ship types. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Collaborative ship design. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Samskapende skipsdesign. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). ONSITE closing conference: State of the art, processes and cases. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Human-centred, collaborative, field-driven ship design: Implementing field studies for the design of ships in operation. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2019). A 10-day course to plan and execute field studies for maritime design processes (2019 course). Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2019). Connecting maritime operations to naval architecture. The Naval Architect. ISSN 0306-0209. May, p. 33–39. Full text in Research Archive
• Nordby, Kjetil & Gernez, Etienne (2019). Why field studies matter in maritime design and how we do them. Medium. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2018). A 10-day course to plan and execute field studies for maritime design processes (2018 course). Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2018). Human-centred, collaborative, field-driven ship design: a case study. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2018). Connecting ship design with ship operations. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil; Seim, Øyvind; Brett, Per Olaf & Hauge, Rune (2018). Human-centered, collaborative, field-driven design - a case study. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2018). Connecting ship operation and ship architecture. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). Field study report presentation workshop. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). ONSITE Board meeting November 2017. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). Field study follow up workshop. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). Field study follow up workshop. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). A 2-hour introduction to field studies for maritime design processes. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). Field study report. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). ONSITE Board meeting February 2017. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). Field study preparation workshop. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2017). ONSITE Board meeting June 2017. Full text in Research Archive
• Nordby, Kjetil & Gernez, Etienne (2017). A 10-day course to plan and execute field studies for maritime design processes. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2015). Designing for project collaboration in the maritime industry. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2014). Enabling a service design perspective for ship design. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2013). Collaborating over Marine Waste. Marine Scientist. ISSN 1478-1328. p. 22–25. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne (2012). Protei open source sailing drones: A platform for education in ocean exploration and conservation. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne & Nordby, Kjetil (2022). State of the art: software and technology innovations in real time collaborative media. OpenVR internal report. Ocean Industries Concept Lab. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Mallam, Steven & Nordby, Kjetil (2021). State of the Art: Virtual Reality-based interventions in ship design. OpenVR internal report. Ocean Industries Concept Lab. Full text in Research Archive
• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil & Lurås, Sigrun (2019). Human-centered, collaborative, field-driven ship design : implementing field studies for the design of ships in operation. Arkitektur- og designhøgskolen i Oslo. ISSN 9788254703199. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Current ship design processes have two main problems. First, the experiences of crew who operate ships are not included in the design process. This poses a problem because it limits the ability of ship designers to design ships and ship systems that can be safely and efficiently operated by the ship crew. This is important because design failures can lead to major accidents and inefficient operations. Second, collaboration between the different designers who participate in the process is not facilitated. This is a problem because it limits the ability of the participants to work across their respective disciplines. This is especially important in a complex and multidisciplinary process such as ship design. Human-centred design methods can help address these two problems. Coming from the traditions of human factors and ergonomics, industrial, and interaction design, these methods deal with the participation and collaboration of all users of a design process. In particular, ethnography-based methods such as field study observation and analysis can inform the design of ships from the perspective of how ship crew operate them. Such a human-centred perspective contrasts with the technology-centred perspective that dominates the maritime industry. The objective of this research is to introduce human-centred methods that are collaborative and field-driven, to be used by industrial and interaction designers, maritime engineers, and human factors and ergonomics experts in ship design processes. To integrate these methods, I work with the experimental introduction of human-centred methods in actual cases of ship design processes. I analyse the results in terms of what design activities were performed in the cases, and how they contributed to the ship design processes. To structure the analysis, I study the design activities that designers engage with during the design process. This experimental introduction of human-centred, collaborative, field-driven design methods in ship design processes results in the proposition of a design process that combines the human- and technology-centred perspectives and can be used for the design of ships and ship systems. In addition, I propose a framework that guides the collaboration of maritime engineers, human factors and ergonomics experts, and industrial and interaction designers. These different types of designers have different design goals, specialisation and skills. Specifically, they have a different command and understanding of human-centred design methods. The proposed framework helps connecting different ways to work with human-centred design. It also helps connecting them with technology-centred design activities and data. When experiencing and designing from the perspective of ship crew, ship designers can improve their ability to design ships and ship systems that are safe and efficient to operate. Further, the introduction of a human-centred perspective on ship operations gives ship designers the opportunity to focus on their own experience during the design process and improve how they collaborate with each other. As a result, the proposed process and framework have the potential to improve both the design process and its outcome.

• Gernez, Etienne; Nordby, Kjetil & Schaathun, Hans Georg (2019). ONSITE Project report: Design-driven field studies for safer demanding marine operations. Ocean Industries Concept Lab. ISSN 9788254703182. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  ONSITE is a research project that builds knowledge on how to implement human-centred design processes within ship design. The project focuses specifically on a field study methodology and the transfer of knowledge between human-centred design and engineering disciplines.

• Longva, Tore; Holmvang, Per; Aalbu, Kjersti; Eide, Magnus Strandmyr & Gernez, Etienne (2014). A broader view: The Future of Shipping. DNV GL. Full text in Research Archive

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