Inflight Sensor Calibrator
Enterprise App
UI & Interaction Design | Information Architecture | Research | Prototyping & Test | Project Management
Role: Product Designer
Duration: 3 months
Tools: Sketch, InVision, Axure, Camtasia, Inspector, Github, React, Material, Jira, Miro, MS Office
Due to IP protection, I am unable to show design details here, but can share more in an interview setting.
Overview
A new type of sensor was installed on an airplane and engineers needed a way to update sensor calibration after installation, while in use. Resultant calibrated output must interface with existing data collection systems for both real-time viewing and recording. I leveraged an existing UI framework to design, test, and validate a user interface for the unique environment of a maneuvering airplane.
User Pain Points
Current calibration method is only accessible in a ground-based lab by limited personnel
Existing data collection system is closed to modification
Solution
An app that can enable test engineers to understand current settings, change inputs, and ensure the updates are applied to the calculation. The app must read sensor output, continuously apply calibration, and provide output to be read by a recording and visualization tool.
My Role
Using expert based ethnography and cognitive and behavioral mapping, I created sketches, developed mock-ups and prototypes, conducted usability testing, and documented research artifacts. I used card sorting, word-concept association and error analysis to inform detailed design decisions and ensure safety of the users and stakeholders. I also performed fly-on-the-wall informal usability testing in a simulated environment.
I collaborated with six developers, providing design specifications and red lines and led them in solution ideation. Additionally, I supported the development team by making UI updates in the codebase and coordinated directly with expert users and laboratory stakeholders to manage hardware acquisition and deployment scheduling.
Process
Designed initial prototype and information flow diagram from expert consultation.
Conducted multiple rounds of iterative task-based usability testing and results analysis to rapidly update prototype.
Worked with developers to update the app from design specs and outlines, and to validate usability and accuracy.
Maintained regular communication with the users and stakeholders to earn trust and increase their comfort as well as perform additional research using card sorts and word-concept association to continuously iterate on UI elements.
Validated the launched app with an expert user in a simulated lab environment.
Takeaways
Environmental considerations are critical for safety when users will be in a full-motion environment making life and death decisions.
Opportunities for updates are limited for an offline use case, so pre-validation is important.
When user, stakeholder and hardware scheduling is difficult, work can advance with lower fidelity prototypes.
With expert users and a technical product, fostering user trust through continuous user collaboration is key.
A flexible framework is helpful for interfacing with historical technologies.