ConQuest: Graphical Container Yard for Prototype Development
The Challenge
Demonstrate, in the mid 1990s, how graphical user interfaces could make a real difference to the management of container shipping
Description
ConQuest is a prototype visual container control and planning system for Microsoft Windows. It enables all users, from the gate operators to the planners, to do their work in real time, using intuitive visual displays, which give a clear picture of the yard.
It was developed in the mid-1990s as a response to the question “how can graphical user interfaces make a real difference to the management of container shipping?”
While it has never been developed commercially, it is sufficiently innovative that I still, 25 years on, regularly receive enquiries as to whether it might provide the basis for further development.
More Details
For more details, please see the ConQuest Page.
The screenshot shows the yard and its contents in perspective view. More screenshots are available at the link above.
Problems and Challenges
Development of a usable user interface with acceptable performance and realistic behaviour at a time when Windows and related development tools were still quite crude.
Outcomes
Working prototype
Timescale
1995
Current Status
Still capable of providing a basis for further work, although it would have to be extensively updated.
Tools and Technologies
Technologies: Visual Basic
Tools: Visual Basic
Abstract
ConQuest is a prototype visual container control and planning system for Microsoft Windows. It enables all users, from the gate operators to the planners, to do their work in real time, using intuitive visual displays, which give a clear picture of the yard.
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