Deep Space Network: Automation Overview
The Deep Space Network (DSN) is NASA’s program for capturing science data from all interplanetary missions. It is managed by operators who use various software applications for command and control. I led the research, ideation, and design of Automation Overview, an application that enables its users to direct antennas as they communicate with interstellar spacecraft.
Role
Senior Product Designer
Services
User Research Experience Design Visual Design Prototyping Usability Testing
Client
JPL
Date
2019 - 2021
Problem
Increases in the amount of missions supported by the DSN highlighted a need for updating legacy software to support an ever-growing list of novel use cases. In addition, the increase in traffic coincided with a reduction in the operator workforce, effectively requiring them to manage more work with less people.
35-meter DSN Antenna (left), LCO workstation (right)
Process
I wanted to get a clearer idea of how our users, called Link Control Operators (LCOs), were doing their work in order to keep up with increased demands. I employed two research methods to better understand their motivations and behaviors.
User Research
My existing research database offered years of behavioral and attitudinal tracking. I gleaned insights on how users managed antenna activities, stayed aware of network events, and how they organized their digital workspaces.
User Interviews
I scheduled interviews with users to discuss patterns found in my initial analysis. This allowed me to capture first-hand accounts of pain points and elaborate on select topics.
User Research Database (Airtable)
Synthesis
Each data point was the categorized. This identified common pain points and areas of opportunity, which in turn sparked discussions between the team and stakeholders. The data showed that users were:
Unsure about system status: More specifically, the status of automation as it went about performing its tasks.
Desensitized to network alarms: Alarming thresholds were set up to alert operators of many conditions, arguably too many.
Overwhelmed by application density: 50 years of legacy software resulted in crowded digital workspaces, with many applications competing for user attention.
After discussions with the LCO community and development team, we decided to move forward with improvements to system transparency, personalization, and consolidation, respectively.
Ideation
I focused upon some key areas, including providing detailed views of automation activities (system transparency), enabling alarm management to reduce cognitive load (personalization), and integrating core features in to a single application in order to minimize workspace density (consolidation). A few rounds of sketching and co-design sessions led me towards viable design solutions.
Sketch (left), Affinity Diagramming (right)
Visual Design
I was able to refine low fidelity solutions up to high fidelity using DSN design system assets. This also allowed me to quickly build prototypes for usability testing.
High-Fidelity Interface Design (Figma)
Results
Many iterations later, I was able to provide the engineering team with specifications for Automation Overview. The application allowed LCOs to view and control the antenna and spacecraft , but also empowered users to toggle across different alarming thresholds and integrate core workflows in to a completely separate application. It was met with high adoption and positive feedback from the LCO community. It has also shown to be scalable to meet emerging needs of the DSN.
