Dave Plummer, known for his contributions to Task Manager and Windows Pinball, has recently shared his vision of a contemporary Task Manager on Twitter. He describes it as engaging yet adventurous.

“This is probably what Task Manager would look like (and sound like) if I were still around. Which is why it’s a good thing I knew to stay in my lane, design-wise.”

Plummer unveiled a dashboard for Tempest AI, which incorporates numerous graphs and gauges, decked out in a distinct Cyberpunk style, complemented with a pulsating synthwave soundtrack.

The dashboard exudes a chaotic yet vibrant energy, matching the rhythm of a rave party. For those interested, it is accessible with an option to disable the audio.

Tempest, which debuted in 1981, is pivotal to the design of the AI system that aims to replicate the intense gameplay using advanced processing capabilities, aligning with Plummer’s extensive history of engagement with the title. He holds a world record in the game, emphasizing both the challenge it presents for human players and its suitability for AI training. Plummer noted:

“Most humans are notoriously bad at the game, and it’s a tough challenge for an AI to crack, which is precisely why it’s perfect for this project.”

While the resulting dashboard might not be practical for everyday use, it pays homage to retro designs and the fun nostalgia surrounding gaming’s past.