Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
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OpenBridge is an open-source design system and code library for user interfaces in maritime and offshore operations. It provides standardized UI components that enhance usability, safety, and interoperability across systems and vendors.
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OpenBridge is developed by a network of industry partners, research institutions, and designers. The Ocean Industries Concept Lab at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design leads the development and multiple academic, industrial and governmental partners support the development.
IEC 62923-1 and 2
Bridge Alert Management (BAM) -
To address the growing complexity in maritime workplaces and reduce the risk of accidents through better UI design. It offers a common design language that supports efficiency, situational awareness, and regulatory compliance.
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Not yet. But we are working on it, and it is likely that there will be offered services to quality check and approve your OpenBridge product.
Design system & code
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It includes Figma UI kits, design guidelines, and examples for navigation, automation, energy, and remote operations. The system follows maritime regulations (e.g., IEC 62288) and human-centered design principles.
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It is developed in line with standards like IEC 62288, IMO guidelines, and DNV class notations. Compliance is a core design principle. However, each application using OpenBridge needs to be individually adapted to the specific regulations for the application type and area.
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The core library is built using web technologies (TypeScript, Web Components, HTML/SVG). It is framework-agnostic and can be integrated into any modern frontend architecture.
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Yes. Since OpenBridge components are Web Components, they can be used in all major frameworks with minimal setup.
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Funding and Joint Industry Project (JIP)
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Yes! Contributions are welcome. Designers, developers, researchers, and maritime professionals can contribute via GitHub or get involved through our Joint Industry Project (JIP).
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OpenBridge is primarily funded by research projects and contributions form industry. In addition it is funded by a Joint Industry Project. Members fund development and get early access to new components and features.
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Yes. The JIP is open to new partners. Companies that join support open-source maritime UI and gain early access, influence on development, and visibility.
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Yes, anybody can use OpenBridge for free. However, we appreciate any support in order to accelerate development.
Use Cases & Adoption
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OpenBridge is used by system developers, shipyards, automation vendors, designers, and R&D projects in the maritime and other industry sectors.
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It supports bridge systems (like ECDIS, radar, conning), automation systems, energy dashboards, and remote control stations. Increasingly it is applied to a wide areas of use cases across industries.
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Yes. Knowledge of UI design or web development is helpful. We offer documentation, and support for industry members.
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Visit our storybook to explore the current library of components.
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No. It’s optimized for maritime and offshore environments, but the principles apply to any complex industrial system — especially those in harsh or safety-critical conditions.
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Yes — OpenBridge is fully customizable, so you can apply your own branding while keeping the structure and compliance intact.
However, we strongly encourage maintaining the core visual style. The more teams and companies use OpenBridge as intended, the more seamless and familiar cross-system experiences become.
By staying close to the standard, you contribute to a unified design language — which benefits users, increases compatibility, and reduces training overhead.