If there is one primary source of information in airports and train stations, it’s the “departure board” – the dynamic visual that shows arriving and departing traffic for the entire terminal.
In the past, this information was typically centralized to a single “board” – terminals such as Grand Central and Penn Station are prime examples. As time went on – and as each terminal expanded to accept greater passenger numbers, this information became decentralized through supplemental video displays.
The primary variable driving change on the board is time. Airline and rail schedules change fairly often and delays from weather or mechanical problems can result in additional scheduling changes. Fortunately, the board is designed to quickly communicate these types of changes in an easy-to-understand manner.
I have always been intrigued with these displays – particularly in large transportation hubs – because their operation is so critical to the successful operation of the center.
One of the reasons I thought of this concept was to help me centralize the things I needed to focus on. I was frustrated with task lists and supplementary artifacts to keep track of this information – I needed my own “departure board”.
Since I find myself in front of my computer screen most of the time, I thought this would be the best place for such a visual. Using Photoshop, I created an image sized accordingly to my screen resolution which lists my key focus areas – Creativity, Bionic, Mental, etc. (from the REGEN framework). Beneath each header, I listed the specific tasks that I was working on. I then made that image my background.
What was once a blank screen is now an information source that helps increase my focus and keeps me moving in a positive direction – which is exactly what a departure board is designed to do.
Using your computer screen’s “real estate” for important information is one approach, but you may find an alternative place for such information. Think of your life as an airline or rail terminal – where is the best place to keep track of your life? How frequently should the “board” change?