space-shuttle-guide

This project is testing the practicality of designing a format to be used wearable device, in this case a phone, to coordinate all the reams of paper generated on a space mission. I created a Wearable Phone App called the Space Shuttle Guide Manual whose mission is to document lights, switches, and buttons on the Shuttle. It also attempts to be able to allow users to get all this information on the shuttle in one click. The space shuttle is used because it is the only space vehicle I could find with all the topics I wish to address. These topics include, but not limited to, System Descriptions, Normal and Non-Normal Procedures, Schematics, Limitations, and Environmental Descriptions. I have collected and organized a great deal of information, but there are still gaps in the data I am trying to fill. And even though I am working on the Shuttle, its concept can be used on other spacecraft and all its accessories.

I will achieve this proof of concept by organizing the data in a logical fashion based on a table of contents, index, search engine, and picture index which are all linked together. Space Environment issues are displayed on a scrollable page with images starting with general overviews at the top becoming more specific as you scroll down. Current and forecast space environments are displayed in an image format to deliver the most information in the least amount of time. All pages allow the user to click a specific topic to dig down into the data. Speed and ease of use is accomplished with a very shallow depth of design and the use of images that can use a phone's "pinch and zoom' functions. The one click functionality is achieved by the ability to zoom down to any light switch and button, or issue.

When the light, switch, or button is selected, its image and title is displayed along with specific information of its function. There is also an image in the upper left corner to show which panel it is located on and that image is hyperlinked back to that panel. Below the description, there are linked specific topics labeled as General, Non-Normal, Normal, Limitation, and Schematics

The General link goes to the manual to describe how this light, switch, or button fits into the functionality of the spaceship. The user can get a general idea of what this thing does and how it affects other systems.

Non-Normal issues are next in the list which link to an interactive checklist which allows the user to check off the steps. If the checklist leads to another checklist, there is a link to that new checklist. If there is switch to be selected or number to be checked on a gauge, it is italicized and hyperlinked to that switch or gauge. It is believed through past studies with pilots that this system can be at least 35% faster at solving the problem and the ability to go to the correct procedure is 100%.

Normal Checklists are configured the same way as Non-Normal Checklists and their concept has been tested to be at least 17% more efficient.

Limitations are listed next and display the performance limitations of the system that the selected light, switch, or button effects.

Schematics are the last topic listed and display a diagram of the system that the light, switch, and button are in.

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