Corporate Software Design | GUI-Design
fjor, interactive + consulting | CaseStudy: Signal & System Technik
The Client:
Signal & System Technik GmbH
SST's core competences are the development of diagnostic systems for rail traffic and the associated telecommunications networks and control centers, amongst others the software CMS AT (Central Monitoring Solution - Advanced Technology). As a system vendor and service provider, SST sets standards in terms of performance and innovation. To SST's clients count international railroad companies as the Deutsche Bahn, the Spanish Renfe, the Frensh SNCF and various others.
Client Feedback
"In fjor we have found a reliable partner to optimize our software beyond its high native technical standard. By the use of the new "Corporate Software Design" all of our products present themselves in a consistent appearance. This not only helps us with new business development but also makes the daily work of all people using our software easier."
Manfred Arndt - Executive Director SST GmbH
What are the Features of the Software?
CMS AT -> Central Monitoring Solution - Advanced Technology
The software is running in control centers to monitor and control trains and infrastructure. Nowadays modern rail traffic as a complex system has to face permanent stress of rolling stock and fixed assets.
This affords the continuous and reliable surveillance of components and systems in real time, as well as the analysis, interpretation and central display of all security-relevant data.
The Initial Situation
Propositional Inventory
The existing program version of the CMS AT has been designed and developed by SST’s employed team members. The software design had different Looks in each country version, based on guidelines or graphical interface „ grown“over a longer period. Each version which had no external guidelines was developed with the help of standard elements.
Objectives
The developers should be able to built upcoming software solutions using a kit of precisely defined components. Consistent graphical elements and design guidelines should guarantee a continuous and unique SST-Software-Design. Within the variety of different applications used in control centers, SST wants to achieve a high recognition value by homogeneous design throughout the complete range of software products.
The Concept Phase
1. Workshops
In a first step fjor interactive + consulting organized a workshop, to develop mandatory specifications in cooperation with the client, to provide a basis for the detailed conception. This workshop was also held to help us understanding the main features of the unusual application. Target specifications included for example: the predefinition of a dark user interface, large and distinct buttons, die use of icons, sound effects as user guidance as well as clear design elements.
The Design Phase
3. Corporate-Software-Design
Start of the design phase was the creation of cross program graphical user interface (GUI) elements. Particular attention was on establishing a symbiosis of corporate design, brand strategies and usability.
Integrated part of the overall design was amongst others the coloring, development of tools, title bars, menus, toolbars, status bars and content windows. The GUI provided the basis for the corporate software design and will be used for all applications in the future.
Transfer of the GUI design to the use in a special software
5. Concretely operational use of the GUI elements in the software CMS AT
Development of a simulation tool for the CMS AT
6. Flex-Programming
To allow an interactive simulation of the server and data based software while being offline, a „Click-Dummy“has been developed.
Various train scenarios can be activated for demonstration purposes, to show the work of system displays, under different circumstances. (E.g. a train with a hot wheel triggers an alarm – a submission is required)