FaBKon - A configuration toolkit for the future rail traffic controller’s workplace Sandra Dietsch, Jan Grippenkoven, Anja Naumann German Aerospace Center Fifth International Rail Human Factors Conference

Research Aim Design of Interlocking Systems – from the past to the future ? Namen nennen Current user interface of an electronic interlocking

? First Step Minimal User Interface How could an interlocking system with one single screen look like? aim: reduce cognitive load ? Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

Approach User Centred Design Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

First Results Interface on one single screen Most important new feature: Interaction via Touch Set a track/ route: Select Start and Target/ Destination signal Set track will be marked by a green line Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt Call function: Touch train symbol Touch „call“ Flashing telephone receiver symbol indicates the call

Second Step Development of FaBKon is an interactive configuration toolkit for the future workplace of a rail traffic controller can be used as a prototyping tool for various new control concepts of user interfaces: different interlocking interface options can be developed and tested on a touchscreen (55’’) its hardware allows multi-touch gestures was first presented at the InnoTrans 2014 trade fair Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

FaBKon The Tool contains some familiar electronic interlocking system elements like a track overview, signals or level crossings displays the tracks of the section that needs to be supervised (1), additional magnified views (2), as well as all important infrastructural elements (3) displays additional information or possibilities to interact with the system (4). in addition, it: enables various possibilities to arrange subsystems and design options for each element displayed (e.g. size, angle, color, and font), and the background colour can be adjusted by the user The rail traffic controller (signaler) is user and designer of his workplace at the same time. (1) Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt (2) (4) (3) Example of a user interface

FaBKon The Tool fundamental scenarios in rail traffic operations can be simulated: e.g., set up train routes, turn switches and signals or let trains drive new features are implemented: train movements are represented continuously (for improving situation awareness) it is possible to display required information by clicking on the respective train Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt Display of additional train information

FaBKon Application FaBKon contains self-explanatory icons, an intuitive concept of operations, and an individual choice of a language can be used in the international context of railway operators, manufacturers, and research institutes allows for adjusting future workplaces for rail traffic controllers to their needs in an optimal way and thus support a safe operation allows different groups of users to engage in a collaborative design process and create customized concepts of workplaces, also regarding cultural preferences (e.g., colour) supports human factors experts in usability research: investigating the influence of information presentation on controllers’ perception, action selection and performance and generating new ideas for operating procedures or layouts for interfaces: Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

FaBKon Usability study five rail traffic controllers evaluated FaBKon (standardized questionnaires) criteria for evaluation were usability, attractiveness, intuitiveness of use and conformity with the dialogue principles standard DIN EN ISO 9241 – 110 (DIN, 2004) Results: the use of FaBKon was rated as more intuitive than the current interface of the electronic interlocking systems used in Germany FaBKon showed high usability, attractiveness, and a high level of ability for customization it meets the dialogue principles standard (DIN, 2004) Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

FaBKon Future prospects FaBKon is continually further developed: integration of new and innovative functions, enhancement of existing functions implementation of more operational tasks the user can execute (operative simulation) Use Cases: sophisticated usability tests using different scenarios in collaboration with manufacturers, railway operators and potential users: develop innovative systems derive recommendations for the advancement of existing systems Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

Dr. Anja Naumann anja.naumann@dlr.de Tel: +49 531 295 3531 DLR e.V. Institute of Transportation Systems Lilienthalplatz 7 38108 Braunschweig Institute of Transportation Systems http://www.dlr.de/ts/ Publications: http://elib.dlr.de/