Prototype displays for the command function on board LPD-17

Abstract

The problem addressed by this research is that there does not exist a command and control system for the next generation U.S. Naval amphibious class of ship, LPD-l7. A system is needed that coherently displays information required I commanders to make timely and correct decisions. This research examines this problem in the context of designing a use interface display that will access data on the ship's underlying network to exercise command and control. The approach taken to solve the problem has four parts. First, system requirements were captured by interviewing senior officers with command-at-sea experience to isolate design features they require from such a command and contr system. Second, a mock-up display was designed based on these requirements; the mock-up was then iteratively tested in ti fleet with subject matter experts to ensure it captured the required elements of command and control. Third, a user-interface display was then constructed using a personal computer and Asymetrix application Multimedia Toolbool; that is, prototype was made without connecting to the underlying data Fourth, this prototype was then iteratively reviewed during design by fleet operators to validate that the command and control process could be executed from this workstation. The result of this research is a set of 18 example displays that will be forwarded to NAVSEA and the contractor for consideration during actual system design.