TermDriver 2 is a USB-seri interface that displays serial connection information on a screen. In developing the device, which can operate between 100 bit/s and 2Mbit/s, James Bowman focused on the appearance of the status indicators.
Inspired by the instrument panels of Apollo-era space hardware, Bowman added sixteen brightness levels to the LCD indicators, ranging from off to full brightness. The indicators become brighter as activity on the corresponding pin increases, while the superellipse shape used in the design mimics the warm, center-focused glow of incandescent bulbs.
Why it matters
TermDriver 2’s approach makes it possible to read pin activity on a serial connection not merely as an on-or-off alert, but as visual information with varying intensity. This choice aims to help users monitoring the connection status on the screen distinguish between activity levels at a glance. The visual language borrowed from Apollo-era panels brings technical status display and a historical design approach together in the same interface. The sixteen brightness levels and superellipse shape show that the aesthetic choice goes beyond decoration and is integrated into the presentation of information. However, the available information does not explain how this approach affects readability or ease of use at different operating speeds between 100 bit/s and 2Mbit/s.