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Design 3 - Parallel Views
This design divides the application into tabs based on the types of data which are available: usage data, storage data, and data from the grid. Each tab contains a split-pane view. The top pane displays an interactive graph offering detailed data, while the bottom pane allows tasks to be performed based on that data.
The intent of this design is to keep the most relevant data visible while a task is being performed. Since the user may wish to take into account data from other views while performing a task (e.g. considering the amount of stored power while selling power back to the grid), the most relevant statistic from each view is displayed at the top of its tab, keeping that data constantly visible.
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*Figure 1. *When Bob opens the Smart Grid application, he sees a graph of his usage for today. By touching the "month" tab at the left of the graph and looking at the average at the top right, he sees that his usage for today is much greater than his average usage over the past month. He returns to the "day" tab of the graph and notes, looking in the bottom pane, that his air conditioner is consuming most of the power. He unchecks the boxes for all devices except for the air conditioner, which updates the graph to show only the air conditioner's power usage for the day. By doing so, he sees that the highest usage was during the afternoon. | Pros: |
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*Figure 2. *Bob touches the "grid" tab to view today's pricing information. Simply glancing at the shape of this graph allows him to tell it is a peak usage time. The current price is displayed on the "grid" tab, and can also be viewed by touching the current time on the graph itself.
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*Figure 3. *To change the settings of his air conditioner, Bob first navigates back to the "usage" tab (Figure 1), then clicks the "settings" button for the air conditioner. The top pane displays a graph of the air conditioner's power usage for today, helping Bob decide what settings to change in the bottom pane. He uses the spinner to increase the setpoint of the air conditioner. He then presses "save" and is returned to the screen in Figure 1. | Pros:
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Figure 4. Bob checks the status of his power storage device by touching the "storage" tab. He glances at this screen to see both the current amount of stored power and the historical amount of stored power for today. | Pros:
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Figure 5. To schedule a sale of power, Bob returns to the "grid" tab (Figure 2), then touches the "schedule transaction" button. He uses the spinners to adjust the time and the amount of power to be sold. He uses the pricing graph in the top pane, and the total amount of stored power displayed on the "storage" tab, to help him decide. He touches the "save" button and is returned to the screen in Figure 2. | Pros:
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