Interface Layout Optimization for Electrical Devices Using Heuristic Algorithms and Eye Movement

The safe operation of electrical devices is related to the national economy and people’s safe and well-being. It is crucial for operators to correctly and quickly identify interface information. To achieve this goal, optimizing the facility layout to reduce operator cognitive load and improve layout usability are vital prerequisites. Studies have developed methods for arranging interface elements, but their evaluations have rarely focused on the usability verification of optimized schemes; hence, the optimal effect has been uncertain in real situations. Given these considerations, this study proposed a new method that combines heuristic algorithms (genetic algorithm [GA] and ant colony algorithm [ACA]) and eye movements to obtain optimal interfaces. The optimized mathematical model was constructed using the Delphi method and analytic hierarchy process. A comparative study found that the GA-based interface (GABI) achieved superior results to the ACA-based interface (ACABI). Furthermore, the eye movement results indicated that compared with the original interface (OI) of the armored exhaust AC metal-enclosed switchgear, both algorithm-based interfaces significantly reduced the cognitive load and improved the overall usability. The results demonstrated that the GABI was superior to the ACABI overall. Therefore, the method proposed in this study can obtain better applicable schemes that account for both ergonomic requirements and user experience, thereby facilitating the convenient production of more effective layout schemes and providing a reference for electrical device designers and practitioners.