The software needs to display numeric values of many (say 20 or more) control variables. It needs to show the current value which may get updated by the program every so often. Additionally, the user may want to set target values for some or all of these variables.
This could be done by two columns (first column showing current values, second column showing desired values) but I fear that this will clutter the whole UI unnecessary, doubling the number of display elements.
What would be alternative designs for such an UI? If possible I would like to combine both, the current and the target value in one element and make the target editable as well as indicate if a target value has been set.
The software is for controling a machine, so the users are used to some complexity and a more technical presentation.
Example: