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System Design Insights: Radial Monitor
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Being able to assess the status of a system at a glance is vital for managing the complex systems aboard Endeavour. While most core functions are automated, there’s still a lot for the crew to keep an eye on.

Data output from vessel systems can be visualised on consoles in different ways, depending on how the data is to be used by the crew. A library of different visualisations is being developed within the Vessel Command Control and Management System (VC2MS) which runs the touchscreen consoles throughout the ship. System designers will be able to select the most appropriate for the console’s role.

One of the core visualisations delivered by the ISDC’s UI/UX (User Interface/User Experience) team is the Radial Monitor, so named because its design is based around a circle. This approach allows a greater data range to be displayed compactly.

The circle represents the full operating range of the system being monitored, starting from the top. Multiple layers of information are displayed over this circle, including the safe operating range for the system (in grey) and the current operating level (in blue). The current operating level is also shown numerically.

From this the crew can tell at a lot about the system’s current operating parameters at just a glance.

Data density is further increased by displaying historical tracking data in the space at the centre of the circle. An outer arc with a triangular status indicator also tracks operating trend, showing whether the system’s average operating level has been trending up or down over time.

The Radial Monitor is just one visualisation of a series but provides an insight into the design direction being taken by the UI/UX team for Endeavour’s control systems. More information on these systems will become available soon as prototyping is completed and crew are able to begin active trials.