Computer-aided design and modeling of work-stations and radiology reading rooms for the new millennium

Three-dimensional (3D) computer modeling, simulation, and rendering techniq ues were used to redesign the diagnostic workstations and radiology reading rooms for a proposed hospital with particular attention given to lighting conditions, noise reduction, and optimal use of limited workspace. The resu lts were presented to a panel of multidisciplinary experts and iteratively improved and redesigned with the development or addition of new design crit eria or requirements. These 3D techniques allowed faster, more efficient de sign and presentation of multiple options than is possible with traditional two-dimensional drawings, thereby expediting decision making and resulting in significant savings. The current workstation designs can easily be deve loped and implemented with available technology at a reasonable cost. They can also accommodate anticipated advances in computer and display technolog y as well as new imaging paradigms (eg, changes in keyboard and control erg onomics such as adjustable virtual keys on touch-sensitive screens, digital drawing tablets for annotations and controls, direct film digitizing, pers onal identification devices, offline media readers such as compact disks an d digital videodisks, and speech recognition and voice activation). Use of 3D techniques in designing other parts of the radiology department (eg, exa mination rooms, technologists' areas, physicians' offices) could greatly im prove and facilitate the design and implementation of complex settings in t hese work areas.