A new graphical user interface for observatory control

The Hobby-Eberly Telescope has identified a number of problems with the current observatory control interface used by operators to run the telescope and associated equipment. We consider the applicability of a purely graphical interface to replace the existing interface and explore the pros and cons of a graphical interface. The design decisions for a new interface are discussed and the process by which we plan to create the new interface is described. An initial prototype interface has been developed and discussed with the telescope operators. The prototype interface and the reasoning behind some of the decisions are discussed.