CERN Controls Configuration Service - a challenge in usability

Complex control systems often require complex tools to facilitate daily operations in a way that assures the highest possible availability. Such a situation poses an engineering challenge, for which system complexity needs to be tamed in a way that everyday use becomes intuitive and efficient. The sensation of comfort and ease of use are matters of ergonomics and usability - very relevant not only to everyday equipment but especially software applications, products and graphical user interfaces. The Controls Configuration Service (CCS) is a key component in CERN's data driven accelerator Control System. Based around a central database, the service provides a range of user interfaces enabling configuration of all different aspects of controls for CERN's accelerator complex. This paper describes the on-going renovation of the service with a focus on the evolution of the provided user interfaces, design choices and architectural decisions paving the way towards a single configuration platform for CERN's control systems in the near future.