1. 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

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

3. ? 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

4. Approach User Centred Design
Kollaboration mit der Fachhochschule Erfurt

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. Dr. Anja Naumann
Tel:
DLR e.V.
Institute of Transportation Systems
Lilienthalplatz 7
38108 Braunschweig
Institute of Transportation Systems
Publications: