Emergency Whiteboard Design
Network Rail
Background
Track layout diagrams are used within VDU based signalling centres when a fault occurs which prevents the signaller from having an accurate view of train locations, signal aspects and points settings data. The track diagrams provide a means of recording train IDs and locations allowing the signaller to manage the safe movement of trains when there is a loss of electronic control.
The track diagrams have traditionally been provided as large magnetic whiteboards, hence they are often referred to as ‘emergency whiteboards'. The traditional design creates a number of problems: how do you get them close enough to the workstation so you can use them at the same time as the telephone? How do you store between 2 or 3 boards in the smaller boxes and up to over 50 in larger centres?
Project
Network Rail commissioned us to investigate the issues associated with current emergency whiteboard design and to develop a new generic design for Network Rail which could provide significant user and cost benefits.
Implementation
CCD identified a set of user based design requirements and developed a series of concept designs involving new mechanisms and structures. A single option was selected and developed to create a fully working prototype, which was then utilised for user acceptance testing.
Outcome
The design process followed has resulted in an elegant emergency whiteboard solution for use by the signaller on the desk surface. The final design closes into a compact unit by means of a novel folding mechanism, which gives protection to the track diagram and significantly reduces the storage space required.
CCD's emergency whiteboard has been developed in collaboration with Network Rail and the first production units will shortly be provided to an operational signalling centre.