Project Brief
The redesign project is aimed to improve the control panel's usability, ergonomics, and safety for loco pilots.
The current design, while functional, presents challenges due to its complexity and a layout that can lead to driver fatigue and potential errors.
Type
Current Control Panel
While its technical and mechanical capabilities are robust, its existing control interfaces. Panel A, B and C are based on legacy, analog design principles.
The current design, while functional, present challenges dues to its complexity and a layout that can be lead to driver fatigue and potential erro
Design Process
We conducted multiple interviews with loco pilots from various depots to understand their daily routine, pain points, and suggestions for improvement.
We also performed observational research, spending time in locomotive cabins to understand the environment and how pilots interact with the controls in real time.
Challenges in the Current Control Panel
Panel A
The fragmented "Panel A" Interface
A detailed component analysis of "Panel" reveals a system that required constant, deliberate scanning from the loco pilot to monitor critical operational parameters.
Panel B
The Gauges issue: "Panel B"
The gauges each show different data with differing levels and there are no marking showing whether the readings are at the right level or if it has crossed to dangerous levels.
Reading each unique gauge differently adds to the cognitive load that the pilot experiences
Panel C
The dense presentation of similar switches with differing use cases makes it prone to misinputs.
The displays attached to the panel could become unstable and difficult to read due to motion and vibration.
Design Process
On Panel A (Analog Gauges)
Panel A of the WAP 7 locomotive primary houses the gauges and indicator lamps that provide the loco pilot with critical, real time status information.
We redesigned it such that similar information like the voltages are grouped together and shown in a grouped manner.
UBA : battery voltage
U: caternary voltage
BOGIE 1 TE/BE meter and BOGIE 2 TE/BE meter:
The two bogie meters showing the traction or braking effort for the respective bogies.
On Panel B (Pneumatic Gauges)
The Panel B's pneumatic gauges were redesigned to align horizontally when at the right reading position during running.
Visible color coded markings were given to help pilots understand data without reading
A highlighted red indicator was also added to the needles to increase visibility.
Miscellaneous (Switches and Lights)
A subtle change: by increasing the radius of the switches, we can now clearly differentiate them from the lights.
Similarity between the switches and lights ->
