Design Specifications

Introduction:

The Nanolab GUI that NASA needs for their autonomous lab experiments sent up to the ISS has requirements to be met. By basing the Nanolab GUI off categories of its design specifications, we can determine what is most vital when designing it and what should be focused/concerned about the least.

Nanolab GUI

Jaegon Hibbitts and Daniel Vaysman

NASA Researchers

Design Specifications:

1. Consumer Needs: The interface needs to be able to provide sufficient data along with simplicity that allows a fifth grade to be able to navigate. Will be measured off of user reviews.

2. Performance: The graphical user interface must be able to control and receive data from the Nanolab experiments for the 30 day periods. The data will transfer in day intervals, where researchers will be able to view new data every day. Will run code in chunks and test together (Since we are unable to test if it will work for 30 days, we can shorten the time for the prototype).

3. Ergonomics: Must be simple enough that a 5th grader can use, but still complex enough that a college professor can gather valuable information off of. Will be measured off of user review.

4. Aesthetics: Consistent styling throughout the windows. No change in format. Will be measured off of user review.

5. Service Life: The labs are, on average, run for a 30 day period, with minimal interactions.

6. Product Life: The GUI will need to function for the 30 day period. Will be tested with the prototype.

7. Safety and Legal: No toxic fume, cannot be flammable, no unnecessary noise. Will be tested with the prototype.

8. Global Environment: Includes electronics - prone to heating/shorting out.

9. Operating environment: NASA Research laboratory, interacted by researchers.

10. Materials: Hardware must fit into the 10cm by 10cm by 20cm Nanolab. Sparkfun Kit: Jumper Wires Premium 6', 5.1V DC 2.5A Wall Wart (USB Micro-B), Raspberry Pi Camera Module, Pi Zero Camera Cable, Mini HDMI SB OTG MicroB Cable, Large Red Box (9.25x6x2) Sparkfun Noobs card, Raspberry Pi Zero, Sparkfun Qwiic Motor Driver, Jumper Wires Premium 6in, Sparkfun RGB LED Breakout - Sparkfun Qwiic Starter Kit.

11. Cost: The cost will be around $170 due to expenses from the Sparkfun kit, $100 school funded budget

12. Durability and maintenance: Will not require maintenance unless the hardware fails or becomes unfunctional. In case of this, the parts of the interface would need to be replaced, however, the code will still be functional. Will be measured by the prototype and how much information it can handle.

Conclusion:

Our group has determined that the graphical user interface values the integrity of the consumer over the physical requirements such as durability, maintenance, or cost because of NASA's desire for an interface that is easy to navigate and access data.