Ah, you actually do have some sort of brief! My earlier comment is irrelevant, and should be dismissed as the ramblings of a sad old embittered designer
Regarding the panel: It's plain, but then again it's clear - info seems logically displayed. No need for much graphical frippery if it gets in the way of the information
I'd be tempted to have a task-appropriate word underneath each of the top-right-hand button icons. I remember reading the results of a study that showed this combination is the sweet spot.
Oooh thanks
Also.. slight modification to the main index.. don't know if I like it or not?
Here