Krys Blackwood
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Overview
NASA’s Deep Space Network (DSN) is one of its oldest and longest running projects. Without the DSN, we can’t talk to the legendary Voyager Spacecraft, or even Curiosity on Mars. The DSN is monitored and controlled by a steadfast group of unsung heroes who face situational awareness and vigilance challenges every day, and for whom change always introduces risk. Krys will talk about the DSN itself, and describe how the JPL Human Interface Group is using participatory and ethnographically inspired methodology to approach the challenges of innovation in a risk-averse, well-established culture.
Objective
This talk will introduce you to the Deep Space Network and its operators, and share techniques NASA JPL is using for user centered design, as well as design for change-resistant users.
Target Audience
People interested in innovation at NASA, or in gentle design for change-resistant users.
Five Things Audience Members Will Learn
What the DSN is
What type of people run the DSN
Some of the design techniques NASA uses for Situational Awareness
Some of the design techniques NASA uses for Vigilance Tasks
Techniques for designing for change-resistant users
2. Once I thought I knew a lot.
Then I was sure I knew a little.
Now, I know that I know nothing.
-Private Dowding
3. Setting the Scene
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
4. Setting the Scene
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
5.
6. An Intriguing Design Challenge
Old and new technologies combined
60 years of history
Designs need to last 20 years
40 years of human habit
8. Getting On With It
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
13. *Dramatic Music*
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
Photo credit: http://www.michaelmedved.com/column/dems-gloom-may-seal-their-doom/ Photo credit: https://hoopsonvs.blogspot.com/2015/08/the-end-is-nigh.html
18. Charge Boldly Forward
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
to credit: https://www.askideas.com/baby-girl-making-angry-face-funny-image/
19. How to Incite Revolution
Big changes with no user research
Drastic changes without good reason
Changes with good reason that are
too drastic.
“User Acceptance Testing”
20. Embrace the “slow blink”
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
21. Evolution, Not Revolution
Involve early, involve often
Build trust
Iterations
Slow and steady wins the race
… plus these techniques:
22. #ProTip 1:
Observations
Watch them do what they do, where
they do it.
Observe normal and non-normal
situations
Watch, don’t get involved
Take notes; ask questions later
30. The Future of Deep Space Ops
What is the DSN?
WHO is the DSN?
Change is inevitable
Designing for change: What didn’t work
Designing for change: What worked
What we’re planning
31. How Far Can We Evolve?
Modern technologies – but not too
modern
Automation
PR and Goodwill
Training
Photo credit: https://mars.nasa.gov/news/a-mixed-reality-trip-to-mars/ Photo credit: http://bit.ly/2ENkJDy