FaBKon - A configuration toolkit for the future rail traffic controller's workplace

Modern interlocking systems are based on remote computer technology. The rail traffic controller interacts with a software based representation of a track section displayed on an array of six to ten computer screens. The... [ view full abstract ]

Modern interlocking systems are based on remote computer technology. The rail traffic controller interacts with a software based representation of a track section displayed on an array of six to ten computer screens. The design of the electronic interlocking was created in the eighties driven by improvements in computer technology and has not changed a lot since these days. From a user-centered perspective, some extra effort should be spent into rethinking the design of the user interface of the electronic interlocking systems. It should incorporate a high degree of usability, meaning that it has to support effective, efficient and pleasant railway operations. Furthermore, with its design, the electronic interlocking system has to provide the rail traffic operator with all the information necessary to ensure safe operations. As interviews with rail traffic controller indicate the user interface on six to ten screens does not appear to be arranged in an optimal way.

In a first step, we created ideas how a visually decluttered system based on a single screen should look like. Innovative ideas were compiled regarding the following questions: How should the content be presented and how could the interaction with a future system look like? Based on the collected ideas a new system as a tool for cooperative prototyping in the field of the rail traffic controllers workplace was set up.

In a second step, FaBKon, a configuration toolkit for the future workplace of a rail traffic controller, was developed. FaBKon displays the look of a future workplace and can be used as a prototyping tool for various new control concepts of user interfaces. It is based on a 55” touch screen that presents a user interface of an electronic interlocking system with some familiar elements: the tracks of the section that need to be supervised, additional magnified views, as well as all important infrastructural elements and detailed information.
Based on a default layout, the look of all operational elements can be changed within FaBKon. Icons of all elements of the infrastructure can be altered independently, colors can be varied, and windows can be arranged individually. Working with the tool can be understood as a virtual version of paper prototyping. Potential users, producers of workplaces, or railway companies can create their own workplace concepts. It is possible to customize the interface regarding users’ needs and preferences. It is well suited to include rail traffic controllers as experts into the designing process. They know best which information they need and when, and how the information should be presented. Also, FaBKon enables Human Factors experts to test hypotheses about the influence of different kinds of information presentation on controllers’ perception, action selection and performance. Innovative ideas for operating procedures or layouts for interfaces can be generated out of this user centered approach, making a valuable contribution towards the user-friendly, safe and smooth rail transport of tomorrow.

We would like our paper to be considered for inclusion in a special edition of the Journal of Rapid Rail and Transit.