Decarbonization is the foremost priority for the maritime industry. Aligned with the Paris Agreement, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a target to reduce CO2 intensity by 40% by 2030 and to cut total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 50% by 2050. Current research from Ocean Industries Concept Lab (OICL) indicates that poor-quality user interface design and the lack of user interface standardization can account for approximately 5-10% of emissions from a ship.

Many maritime navigation systems lack standardization since each organization designs its interfaces in a unique manner. The absence of standardization in interfaces can lead users to develop poor usage habits, potentially resulting in usability issues. Standardization plays a pivotal role in both the safety and efficiency of operations. According to Grech et al. (2008), fitting the task, equipment, or environment to the capabilities and limitations of individuals, rather than attempting to adapt or fit individuals to the tasks, minimizes the risk of compelling them to operate unsuitable or poorly designed equipment or work systems.

A poorly designed User Interface (UI) can lead to inefficiencies and mistakes in the use of equipment, systems, and processes on a ship, which can result in increased energy consumption and emissions. For instance, a maritime navigation system with a complex interface can lead to errors in route planning. If a ship follows an inefficient route due to difficulties in interpreting the interface information, it results in higher energy consumption and carbon emissions.

The use and application of interface design patterns in the fields of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has been a successful practice for over three decades. Additionally, UI design patterns offer a visual language that is easily recognizable and comprehensible, reducing the need for users to learn and remember new information. Furthermore, from the user's point of view, design patterns can reduce cognitive load, information density, and promote consistency by minimizing the complexity that must be processed. From a design standpoint, design patterns are crucial in improving the usability of interfaces and enabling designers to make better design decisions when creating interfaces.

This PhD project aims to reduce carbon emissions in the maritime sector by employing User Experience (UX) design and Interaction Design. The project is firmly grounded in the principles of human-centered design, placing the human element at the core of the design process. As Vincente (2004, p.54) argues "If the human factor is taken into account, a tight fit between person and design can be achieved, and the technology is more likely to fulfill its intended purpose" The research will specifically focus on designing user interfaces that support users' decision-making toward energy-efficient operations for operational systems onboard ships and on land.

This research will introduce novel design patterns, innovative interaction design techniques and modern design approach tailored for the maritime sector. These advancements aim to support user decision-making and encourage changes in user behavior towards reducing energy consumption. The research will also involve collaboration with industry experts to ensure that the findings are relevant and applicable to real-world situations.

Filipe Landu Nzongo is an Angolan-born designer, author, and PhD Fellow at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO). Furthermore, Nzongo brings several years of experience working as a designer in various fields, banking, insurance, fintech, consulting firms, and technology companies.

Since 2015, Nzongo has been teaching courses in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, User Experience, User Interface Design, and other related fields at several universities and technical schools in Brazil. He has taught at various educational levels, including master's degree, undergraduate, postgraduate, specialization, and elective courses.

Nzongo holds a Master's degree with distinction from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul and a Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering from the University Center of United Metropolitan Faculties. (FMU/UNILINS)