Graphic Design Firm Tackles Dispatching Interfaces

The prestigious Museum of Modern Art (NYC) has included a new concept of computer-aided dispatch (CAD) software in its latest “Talk to Me” exhibit that highlights the art of design, but linking to information and data in new and interactive ways. The CAD concept screens were developed by Philadelphia-based Electronic Ink, an award-winning firm that has also tackled several other  man-computer interfaces, including ATMs. The company studied the tasks that dispatchers perform, considered the priority of actions and came up with panels, screens and colors that present information more effectively. The result is, “Unlike traditional interfaces, which present an overwhelming amount of high-stakes information with equal weight, Electronic Ink’s design uses color, animation, and relative sizing to make critical calls more prominent and render priorities intelligible at a glance.” The company’s work is among 194 entries in the museum’s exhibit. View the on-line 911 Command Center here, and view two screens and a video after the break.

Click on either image to view a larger version of the Command 911 screen. The first screen is an designer’s concept of a 911 telephone handling computer screen, while the second image is a radio handling screen. View a video of how the screens were developed below (no sound).

Double-click on the image to play the video