iVillage

The Times Real Estate

 

Monash University and Australian tech company Micro-X have partnered to streamline crucial airport security checkpoints, and increase aviation passenger safety, across the United States - with the added benefit of reducing long airport wait times.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded a contract to Micro-X to create and test a compact self-screening concept which streamlines the security processing into a single step. 

The integrated system - designed by Monash University's Design Health Collab - allows the scanning of passengers and their possessions to be conducted simultaneously, while meeting the strict safeguards of travel security.

The design also utilises a much smaller CT scanning system than those currently used in airports, allowing more checkpoints to operate, reducing queues and frustrating bottlenecks. 

Monash lead design researcher Dr Nvein Chan Aung said the implementation of the new imaging technologies could transform the airport security experience for both travellers and staff. 

 “This new system design reconsiders every element to serve the user, including the industrial design, floor plan layout, lighting, ergonomics, materials and user interfaces,” he said. 

“The checkpoint aims to maintain effective security while improving the throughput and passenger and operator experience.”

The new design will also offer a ‘pre-warning’ prompt that will alert passengers of forgotten objects in their pockets so they can avoid nuisance alarms when the on-person screening is conducted.

 Dr Aung said the Monash Design Health Collab team was working to connect technology and the passengers' experience, which is vital to the design’s success in the “real world.”

 “Undertaking a user-centred design approach is critical to the success of new technologies and ensuring that the workflows allow for optimal system performance while maintaining ease-of-use, convenience and dignity for passengers from all walks of life,” he said.

Dr Brian Gonzales, Chief Scientist of Micro-X and the CEO of the company's US subsidiary, agreed. He said world-class scanning technology needed to be combined with great design to be effective.

“The interface between the checkpoint system and the person is what makes the technology work for humans. People need to have a good experience and the design needs to consider people’s wellbeing, movement and flow,” he said.

Design Health Collab is collaborating with other Monash University labs on this project, harnessing the research of the  XYX Lab, leaders in gender-sensitive design, and the Mobility Design Lab, whose focus is on improving the physical, environmental and experiential aspects of mobility

Photo: A prototype image of the new screening process/Monash University

 

The iVillage Magazine

Skip Bin Regulations Across Australia: What You Need to Know by State

Australia's waste management regulations vary significantly between states and even between local councils within states. Understanding these differ...

Electronic Work Diaries: The Future of Compliance for Heavy Vehicle Operators

An Electronic Work Diary (EWD) is a digital version of a driver’s work diary, used to record work and rest hours in real-time. Unlike paper logs, ...

Mining Equipment Suppliers: Driving Efficiency and Innovation in the Mining Industry

The mining industry, a cornerstone of the global economy, involves the extraction of valuable minerals and resources from the Earth. Mining equipmen...

The Ultimate Guide to Heating and Cooling Installation: What You Need to Know

Whether it’s the sweltering summer heat or the freezing winter chill, a proper heating and cooling installation ensures comfort throughout the yea...

Premium Tiling Services: Elevate Your Space with High-Quality Tiles

Have you ever entered a home and the beauty of the room left you star-struck? Also, are there times when you walk into a space but find the visual a...

Best Toowoomba Personal Injury Lawyers for Liability Claim

Accidents can happen anywhere, shopping centers and public parks, rental properties and workplaces. When you’re injured due to someone else’s ne...