IHC-Systems develops automation systems for dredgers. They assume the automation systems on board of trailing suction hopper dredgers are not always employed. Trailer suction hopper dredgers are a specific type of dredgers. Several automation systems can assist the operators for dredging. Some ships have dedicated operators and on other ships operation is done by the 1st mate, in combination with the navigation. The research question is: (1) Why are the automation systems on trailer suction hopper dredgers not always used. And (2) in what way this can be improved. The research consists of observations and of interviews with crew members on several trailing suction hopper dredgers, and with company staff. Also similar studies on the use of automation systems, found in literature, are consulted for the analysis. The factors that can influence the use of automation are sorted and their interrelations visualised. The main factors then are nominated. The major factor is addressed as the design goal for the concept generation. The assumption that the automation systems are not always used, is firstly confirmed. The identified reasons why operators do not use the automation systems, are: Lack of confidence, boredom, situation of dredging, annoyance, complexity of the system and the experience that the utilization does not form part of the routine. These reasons are the result of several influencing factors, that belong to one of three domains: a, the automation system, or b, the user, or c, the context. Such factors are: a lack of knowledge or awareness, bad experiences, risks, workload, type of project, signals from the system, implementation on the ships, and training. To improve the use of the automation systems, a design goal is formulated. Central in the concept is to increase the awareness of the operator on the automation systems. Knowledge is enhanced by adapting the signals from the workstation. This will give the operators a better awareness of the process and the process risks. The other part in the concept is to give the operators more control on the system and a safer feeling. This is achieved by giving more information about the automation system and providing this information structured intuitively. The feeling of control and safety will increase the operators trust in the automation system. He will be more confident to use the automation system and the use will become part of his routine. First solutions for separate aspects of the problem are generated. Integration, with a morphological map, of these ideas result in total solutions. The solutions are developed into several concepts. These are compared with the Harris profile method. And the selected design is combined with the best elements from the rejected concepts. The resulting improved concept is applied to one of the automation systems; the visor automation. The application is developed in cooperation with users. In an early stage the opinion of the operators on the concept realisation are solicited. The study revealed the kind of information they value for the visor automation. Later the users are involved for user testing. The resulting concept consists of adaptations to the interface screen and of added signals on the dredging console. Operators can select, on touchscreen, and view more easy the information about the automation system. The information is presented in pop-ups. Set-points can be changed, and warnings set. A green colour on the screen and a green light on the console, signals which automation system is active. The automation relieves the operator from routines, and enables to combine with other activities, such as doing paperwork, while monitoring the systems. Final user tests demonstrated enthusiasm by the operators towards the concept. Operators indicated that the concept would give them more control. They would also feel safe using the automation system. Also the usability testing proved that the new interface can be used without training, it is intuitive design. The concept can be taken further into application on the other automation systems. And further lines for improvements are proposed.