Projects
Unmanned Aircraft Manager
As part of projecting a potential future for our product, I was tasked with developing designs for an aircraft manager that could control multiple aircraft at once, set boundaries, and manage routes, all from a tablet. This prototype would be used to demonstrate the future of our product at trade shows and events
Research
I interviewed multiple experts in piloting unmanned aircraft to understand how they currently use the system and how those processes could change in a mobile, tablet based approach. I developed multiple iterations of the design, getting feedback from users to ensure all of their needs were accounted for.
Goals
Convert the current complex interface to a touch-friendly version while maintaining brand identity
Add multi-aircraft control
Simplify the mission building process
Project a future state that demos well in a clear, concise way
Mapping Scenario and Flow
After interviewing users and discussing with the customer, I created a user flow that would address key features and represent a realistic scenario. As a demo piece, this design would focus on these key features. This scenario went through multiple rounds of revisions with the customer and users to ensure it addressed both user and business needs.
Early Wireframes and Iterations
With a compressed timeline and working from an existing design system (modifying for touchscreen) After some quick sketches of structural concepts, I started in on higher fidelity wireframes than I normally would. However, this allowed me to quickly convey and get feedback on an overall look and feel, as well as the flow, for the application.
At first, a pop-up menu was investigated as a method of managing routes; however, this increased complexity and lead to a clunky flow.
I then explored a more integrated method of creating missions, which lead to a much more streamlined, comprehensible flow.
Solution
After moving on to the integrated flow, I began iterating on that concept and landed on a "tool wheel" interface that leads the user through a prescribed flow to accomplish a variety of tasks.
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This design allows linear tasks like building a mission or setting fences to be accomplished quickly and easily, while maintaining access via the bottom play bar to important information the user may need at any time.
Results
This design earned me kudos both from the product owner and customer, and a prototype built from it is being used for trade shows and demonstrations. It presents a future for the product that streamlines processes and allows for mobile control over aircraft