Designing the next generation of user support tools: methodology

Anuradha Koratkar; Robert E. Douglas Jr.; Andrew Gerb; Jeremy E. Jones; Karla A. Peterson; Roeland P. Van Der Marel

doi:10.1117/12.392481

25 July 2000 Designing the next generation of user support tools: methodology

Anuradha Koratkar, Robert E. Douglas Jr., Andrew Gerb, Jeremy E. Jones, Karla A. Peterson, Roeland P. Van Der Marel

Proceedings Volume 4010, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return II; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.392481
Event: Astronomical Telescopes and Instrumentation, 2000, Munich, Germany

Abstract

In this paper we present a strategy for developing the next generation of proposal preparation tools so that we can continue to optimize scientific returns from the Hubble Space Telescope in an era of constrained budgets. The new proposal preparation tools must be built with two goals: (1) to facilitate scientific investigation for observers, and (2) to decrease the effort spent on routine matters by observatory staff. We have based our conclusions on lessons learned from the Next Generation Space Telescope's Scientist's Expert Assistant experiment. We conclude that: (1) Compared to existing Hubble Space Telescope's Phase II RPS2 software, a modern set of proposal tools and an environment that integrates them will be appreciated by the user community. From the user's perspective the proposed software must be more intuitive, visual, and responsive. From the observatory's perspective the tools must be interoperable and extensible to other observatories. (2) To ensure state-of-the-art tools for proposal preparation for the user community, there needs to be a management structure that supports innovation. Further, the development activities need to be divided into innovating and fielding efforts to prevent operational pressures from inhibiting innovation. This will allow use of up-to-date technology so that the system can remain fluid and responsive to changes.

Citation Download Citation

Anuradha Koratkar, Robert E. Douglas Jr., Andrew Gerb, Jeremy E. Jones, Karla A. Peterson, and Roeland P. Van Der Marel "Designing the next generation of user support tools: methodology", Proc. SPIE 4010, Observatory Operations to Optimize Scientific Return II, (25 July 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.392481

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