Challenge Summary
Welcome to the RUX - GE Transportation TCO16 Pre-Challenge! As part of the 2016 Topcoder Open onsite finals in Washington DC we are proud to announce GE Transportation will be sponsoring the TCO16 UI Design Championship!
To start off the TCO festivities we are launching this TCO16 Pre-Challenge! to get everyone up-to-speed and understanding the GE Transportation design problem!
This challenge is open to the entire Topcoder community! While we will continue exploring aspects of this problem onsite at TCO16 we wanted to make sure to include everyone in the initial design process.
You have an opportunity to contribute to the TCO16 UI Design championship!
What is a RUX Challenge?
The RUX (Rapid User Experience) challenge uses the same format as our famous LUX Challenge except it is not "Live" at an event. The RUX Challenge Series provides you with an opportunity to show digital leaders from some of the largest companies in the world just how good your concepting and user experience (UI/UX) design skills are.
RUX (Rapid User Experience) challenges are fast, fun, and have more chances for you to capture prize money!
The Design Challenge
The freight rail industry is rapidly evolving, and as GE Designers we are always looking for ways to improve the day in the life of how Train Dispatchers monitor, modify, evaluate, and schedule trains within their territory.
Train Dispatchers currently use "Movement Planner" which is an advanced software offering that uses real-time information to help Train Dispatchers manage trains across the network. Think of it like an air-traffic control system for Trains.
Design Problem
The current user interface was planned by engineers, so while it works great, it isn't the most friendly customer experience. We want to re-imagine, using the latest design thinking and visualization techniques a completely new user experience for Movement Planner! What is the modern Train Dispatcher experience and user interface for viewing and interacting with this data?
~
RUX Challenge Timeline and Rolling Checkpoint
Submission Start: 11/11/2016 at 20:00 EDT
Rolling Checkpoint Start: 11/13/2016 at 20:00 EDT
Submission End: 11/15/2016 at 20:00 EDT
We are offering 5 Prizes Placements
1) 1st Placement: $2000
2) 2nd Placement: $1500
3) 3rd Placement: $1000
4) 4th Placement: $750
5) 5th Placement: $500
- Plus 10 placements for Rolling Checkpoint prizes @ $50 each!
Note: Important Rolling Checkpoint Details
- GE Transportation and adroc will be available all weekend for early submissions and Rolling Feedback!
- We will answer questions and provide Rolling Feedback as fast as possible.
- The GE design team will be reviewing "ALL" checkpoints on Monday and provide any additional feedback by Monday night.
- You must watch the Forum for your feedback!
- *All initial qualifying checkpoint submissions will win $50 (10 Placements)
~
Challenge Details
This challenge is focused on creating a new user experience for Movement Planner. We are focused on creating a great Desktop application experience so it is important to understand the user, their work environment, and their day-to-day user needs. We are not going to show you the current user interface as we are looking for new concepts!
Important: The overall train network is very large. A single Train Dispatcher will only need to monitor and manage a small slice of the overall train network (trains passing through their territory).
MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
Download and read "MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf".
The GE team has done a great job explaining the user and their needs.
1) User and Workplace Context
- Our key user and where they work
- See page Context: Dispatcher Role & Context: Workplace Climate
- See related content and workplace photos
2) 3 Sample User Needs
- Dispatcher Need (1 of 3): My Day
- Dispatcher Need (2 of 3): Resolve Conflicts
- Dispatcher Need (3 of 3): Maintenance Windows
- Look to visualize this information in this order
- See the related videos
3) Sample Content
- Definitions and understanding of what needs to be displayed
- See page Context: Sample Content: Trains, Sample Content: Tracks & Sample Content: Track Layout
Design items to consider
1. Modern data visualization techniques
2. Use of space, density of graphics and visual depth on the screen
3. Use of X, Y and Z-Axis
4. Use of modern mapping techniques (research things like mapbox)
5. Modern interface techniques (click, tap, hover, scroll, zoom in/out)
6. Use of simple yet informative icons (icons needs to scale)
7. Color! The general design will probably be monochromatic with color hints as needed to show importance.
8. The user needs to be able to quickly identify and understand the data they are viewing and take action on it.
Note: The solution does not need to be geographically correct
General Requirements
- This application is going to be developed as a Desktop based application
- Screen Sizes: Desktop Standard (1366px x 768px)
- See the Style-Tile.png for design reference
Downloads
MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
Style Tile and Photos
Required Screens/ Functionality
1) Movement Planner Dashboard Concepts
- What does the Train Dispatcher see and use? Interactions? Views etc.
- Review and capture the interactions described in MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
- This pre-challenge is greenfield... we are open to your design concepts!
- The only constraint is to follow the style tile as much as possible without constraining innovative concepts, views, approaches...
2) UI/UX Interaction(s)
- Any additional screens to showcase the user experience and interactions!
3) InVision Prototype
- We need you to upload your file into InVisionApp.
- We want to use InVisionApp to provide direct and fast feedback! We can also track your design updates and screen versions within InVision!
- No additional functionality is required! Just make sure your screen(s) are in the correct viewing order (number them 00, 01, 02, 03, etc.)
- If you do not have access to the Topcoder InVision Account please contact adroc@topcoder.com
- You must include your Topcoder InVision App URL within your .Notes file
4) Presentation Screen - 1920x1080 (16:9 Ratio)
- In a RUX challenge, this screen is the way to showcase your concept so keep it simple and make it look good!
- If you were walking into a meeting and needed to sell your idea - use this screen to showcase your concept.
Judging Criteria
- Simplicity of design/strong, clear design concept
- How well your design align with the objectives of the challenge
- Cleanliness of screen design and flow
Target Audience
- Train Dispatcher
Submission & Source Files
Preview Image
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Submit JPG/PNG for your submission files.
Source Files
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop and saved as layered PSD file, or Adobe Illustrator as a layered AI file or as Sketch!
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase, you may be asked to modify your graphics (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors. We may ask you to update your design or graphics based on checkpoint feedback.
To start off the TCO festivities we are launching this TCO16 Pre-Challenge! to get everyone up-to-speed and understanding the GE Transportation design problem!
This challenge is open to the entire Topcoder community! While we will continue exploring aspects of this problem onsite at TCO16 we wanted to make sure to include everyone in the initial design process.
You have an opportunity to contribute to the TCO16 UI Design championship!
What is a RUX Challenge?
The RUX (Rapid User Experience) challenge uses the same format as our famous LUX Challenge except it is not "Live" at an event. The RUX Challenge Series provides you with an opportunity to show digital leaders from some of the largest companies in the world just how good your concepting and user experience (UI/UX) design skills are.
RUX (Rapid User Experience) challenges are fast, fun, and have more chances for you to capture prize money!
The Design Challenge
The freight rail industry is rapidly evolving, and as GE Designers we are always looking for ways to improve the day in the life of how Train Dispatchers monitor, modify, evaluate, and schedule trains within their territory.
Train Dispatchers currently use "Movement Planner" which is an advanced software offering that uses real-time information to help Train Dispatchers manage trains across the network. Think of it like an air-traffic control system for Trains.
Design Problem
The current user interface was planned by engineers, so while it works great, it isn't the most friendly customer experience. We want to re-imagine, using the latest design thinking and visualization techniques a completely new user experience for Movement Planner! What is the modern Train Dispatcher experience and user interface for viewing and interacting with this data?
~
RUX Challenge Timeline and Rolling Checkpoint
Submission Start: 11/11/2016 at 20:00 EDT
Rolling Checkpoint Start: 11/13/2016 at 20:00 EDT
Submission End: 11/15/2016 at 20:00 EDT
We are offering 5 Prizes Placements
1) 1st Placement: $2000
2) 2nd Placement: $1500
3) 3rd Placement: $1000
4) 4th Placement: $750
5) 5th Placement: $500
- Plus 10 placements for Rolling Checkpoint prizes @ $50 each!
Note: Important Rolling Checkpoint Details
- GE Transportation and adroc will be available all weekend for early submissions and Rolling Feedback!
- We will answer questions and provide Rolling Feedback as fast as possible.
- The GE design team will be reviewing "ALL" checkpoints on Monday and provide any additional feedback by Monday night.
- You must watch the Forum for your feedback!
- *All initial qualifying checkpoint submissions will win $50 (10 Placements)
~
Challenge Details
This challenge is focused on creating a new user experience for Movement Planner. We are focused on creating a great Desktop application experience so it is important to understand the user, their work environment, and their day-to-day user needs. We are not going to show you the current user interface as we are looking for new concepts!
Important: The overall train network is very large. A single Train Dispatcher will only need to monitor and manage a small slice of the overall train network (trains passing through their territory).
MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
Download and read "MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf".
The GE team has done a great job explaining the user and their needs.
1) User and Workplace Context
- Our key user and where they work
- See page Context: Dispatcher Role & Context: Workplace Climate
- See related content and workplace photos
2) 3 Sample User Needs
- Dispatcher Need (1 of 3): My Day
- Dispatcher Need (2 of 3): Resolve Conflicts
- Dispatcher Need (3 of 3): Maintenance Windows
- Look to visualize this information in this order
- See the related videos
3) Sample Content
- Definitions and understanding of what needs to be displayed
- See page Context: Sample Content: Trains, Sample Content: Tracks & Sample Content: Track Layout
Design items to consider
1. Modern data visualization techniques
2. Use of space, density of graphics and visual depth on the screen
3. Use of X, Y and Z-Axis
4. Use of modern mapping techniques (research things like mapbox)
5. Modern interface techniques (click, tap, hover, scroll, zoom in/out)
6. Use of simple yet informative icons (icons needs to scale)
7. Color! The general design will probably be monochromatic with color hints as needed to show importance.
8. The user needs to be able to quickly identify and understand the data they are viewing and take action on it.
Note: The solution does not need to be geographically correct
General Requirements
- This application is going to be developed as a Desktop based application
- Screen Sizes: Desktop Standard (1366px x 768px)
- See the Style-Tile.png for design reference
Downloads
MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
Style Tile and Photos
Required Screens/ Functionality
1) Movement Planner Dashboard Concepts
- What does the Train Dispatcher see and use? Interactions? Views etc.
- Review and capture the interactions described in MP-TCO-Workshop.pdf
- This pre-challenge is greenfield... we are open to your design concepts!
- The only constraint is to follow the style tile as much as possible without constraining innovative concepts, views, approaches...
2) UI/UX Interaction(s)
- Any additional screens to showcase the user experience and interactions!
3) InVision Prototype
- We need you to upload your file into InVisionApp.
- We want to use InVisionApp to provide direct and fast feedback! We can also track your design updates and screen versions within InVision!
- No additional functionality is required! Just make sure your screen(s) are in the correct viewing order (number them 00, 01, 02, 03, etc.)
- If you do not have access to the Topcoder InVision Account please contact adroc@topcoder.com
- You must include your Topcoder InVision App URL within your .Notes file
4) Presentation Screen - 1920x1080 (16:9 Ratio)
- In a RUX challenge, this screen is the way to showcase your concept so keep it simple and make it look good!
- If you were walking into a meeting and needed to sell your idea - use this screen to showcase your concept.
Judging Criteria
- Simplicity of design/strong, clear design concept
- How well your design align with the objectives of the challenge
- Cleanliness of screen design and flow
Target Audience
- Train Dispatcher
Submission & Source Files
Preview Image
Please create your preview image as one (1) 1024x1024px JPG or PNG file in RGB color mode at 72dpi and place a screenshot of your submission within it.
Submission File
Submit JPG/PNG for your submission files.
Source Files
All original source files of the submitted design. Files should be created in Adobe Photoshop and saved as layered PSD file, or Adobe Illustrator as a layered AI file or as Sketch!
Final Fixes
As part of the final fixes phase, you may be asked to modify your graphics (sizes or colors) or modify overall colors. We may ask you to update your design or graphics based on checkpoint feedback.
Please read the challenge specification carefully and watch the forums for any questions or feedback concerning this challenge. It is important that you monitor any updates provided by the client or Studio Admins in the forums. Please post any questions you might have for the client in the forums.