In the world of software development, every now and then you encounter a project that pushes you beyond just writing code, one that demands systems thinking, real-time precision, and a level of coordination that mimics mission-critical environments. That’s exactly what the Simulation Project turned out to be.

Project Overview

The goal was to build a live engine and propulsion control simulation that could:

  • Run across four parallel user screens
  • Reflect every user action across all screens in real-time
  • Include a main instructor module with the power to monitor and control every aspect of the simulation

This was more than a simulation, it was a full-fledged training platform that could simulate operational tasks, inject failures, and observe user response under pressure.

Core System Features

Multi-Screen Synchronization

Each of the four screens represented a user’s control panel. If one user adjusted the RPM or changed the load it had to reflect instantly on the other three screens. This required a shared state architecture with backend updates and frontend sync loops that kept everything aligned with sub-second delay.

Instructor Control Module

The fifth and most powerful screen belonged to the Instructor. This module served as the command center, allowing the instructor to:

  • Start/stop engines and turbines
  • Adjust RPM, load, oil pressure, and more
  • Inject simulated faults
  • Monitor user actions
  • Override user control if needed

Keyboard-Driven Operations

One of the project’s standout features was the ability to control everything via keyboard shortcuts for example:

  • G + 1 → Start Generator 1
  • S + 2 → Stop Generator 2
  • Ctrl + C + ↑ → Increase Load
  • Ctrl + T → Start Turbine

This allowed users to operate the system fluidly and quickly exactly like a real-world control room environment.

Realistic Meters with Live Fluctuations

From engine exhaust temperature to oil pressure and RPM, we implemented a fluctuating meter system that mimicked real-world behavior. These values would update continuously based on API input with smart randomization to simulate engine behavior naturally.

The Screen Design Team:

Making Complex Systems Intuitive None of this would’ve been possible without the incredible work of the Screen Design Team. They:

  • Created pixel-perfect layouts for each screen
  • Ensured UI consistency across all four user screens and the instructor module
  • Built responsive designs that could adapt to different resolutions
  • Made sure complex data (like fluctuating meters, multiple ports, and warning systems) felt intuitive and clear

The Backend Team:

The Real-Time Engine Behind the Screens While the frontend stole the spotlight, the real magic happened in the backend. The Backend Team:

  • Built and managed the core API architecture to keep all screens synchronized
  • Handled complex payloads for live engine data, pressure levels, RPM, and more
  • Ensured the instructor module could control every endpoint from a centralized interface
  • Implemented polling mechanisms and are planning WebSocket transitions for even smoother updates

The Pressure of a Tight Deadline

What made this project even more intense was the tight delivery schedule. We were building something this complex in a matter of days, not weeks. There was no room for delays. Every team member had to:

  • Write clean, testable code from the start
  • Communicate efficiently
  • Solve bugs fast
  • Stay aligned with shifting requirements

Teamwork Made It Possible

No one person could have pulled this off alone. The Simulation Project was a result of:

  • Frontend engineers crafting fluid interactions
  • Screen designers shaping the user journey
  • Backend devs powering real-time sync
  • And a project lead ensuring everything stayed on track

A Light Moment

Somewhere in the middle of this high-intensity build, someone casually joked about the name and we all started calling it “Mission Laila” internally. It was our little stress-relief mantra during those endless coffee-fueled sprints.

What I Learned

  • Modular architecture saves lives under pressure
  • Instructor override systems are key in real simulations
  • Keyboard-first UX is faster than mouse-based control
  • Real-time sync needs frontend-backend harmony
  • Great UI isn’t a luxury in simulations it’s a necessity

What’s Next?

If I were to enhance this system further:

  • Shift from polling to WebSockets
  • Add user scoring and logging for evaluation
  • Introduce session playback and error tracking
  • Add immersive sound effects and simulation-based training scripts
  • Integrate hardware components for real-time control using physical input/output systemsUtilize physical input/output systems to incorporate hardware components for real-time control.
  • Make remaining modules like Propulsion and Electric Generator fully functional and interactive

Tech Stack

  • Frontend: React.js, TailwindCSS, Toastify
  • Backend: Node.js, REST APIs, Axios (WebSockets planned)
  • Infra: Electron.js, Modular Component Design
  • Features: Fluctuation Engine, Keyboard Shortcuts, Multi-Screen Sync, Instructor Override

Final Thoughts

This wasn’t just another simulation. It was a complete system built with:

  • Precision
  • Speed
  • Dedication
  • and A lot of teamwork

We built something that felt real because it was real. A system that can train, evaluate, and evolve. And I’m proud to have been part of it. 😊