Human factors methods in the design of the graphical user interface for the open systems radar product generation (ORPG) component of the WSR-88D

A concerted effort is underway to develop and deploy an open systems solution to components of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). Several small working groups, or subteams, have been established to focus on specific areas within each component. One of these, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) Team, consists of a group of individuals possessing specialized knowledge in some important aspect of the presently deployed WSR-88D Unit Control Position (UCP), human factors concepts, and GUI design. The UCP is the user interface to the Radar Product Generation (RPG) component of the WSR-88D. The redesign and replacement of the UCP is an opportunity to reduce training requirements, improve aspects of interface functionality, and empower forecasters to intuitively monitor and control the operational WSR-88D. Within the framework of iterative design, members of the GUI Team have applied usability principles in a dedicated effort to make the human-computer interaction as easy to use as possible. The members of the GUI Team believe that usability should be incorporated early in the system design project. As such, the GUI for the new UCP is evolving in an iterative manner, with a concept becoming a prototype which is then reviewed by the members of the GUI Team. As this effort evolves, it is anticipated that actual users will get involved in testing the various components of the user interface, providing valuable feedback to the GUI Team.