Pilot-centric design; approach to real-time, data-enhanced flight operations
The Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) is a groundbreaking app for Windows and iOS
The Electronic Flight Folder (EFF) is a groundbreaking app for Windows and iOS, designed specifically for the daily operations of commercial pilots, it provides real-time aircraft performance data, users can access upgrades such as live weather updates and integration with system-of-record for effortless digital flight plan ingestion, post-flight reports offer detailed insights into actual aircraft performance, along with customisable crew notes for analysis and trend monitoring to submit ground staff.
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
Senior UX Designer
Planning
Design + Execution
Management
Contribution —
UXR
Design Thinking
UX/UI
UT
Collaborators
BA
Engineering Team
Client's Product Team
Timeline
14 sprints
including UT
Senior UX Designer
Planning, Design + Execution, Management
Contribution —
UXR, Design Thinking, UX/UI, UT
Collaborators
BA, Engg Team, Client's Product Team
Timeline
14 sprints including UT.
Platform:
Windows, iOS
After two quarters, the client has begun incorporating additional features, during this period, the matrix appears as follows:
For more info, Please download client's data sheet in their official website .
The Challenge
Current systems frequently suffer from a lack of integration, resulting in fragmented processes and operational inefficiencies, commercial pilots face significant challenges in accessing real-time aircraft performance data, often relying on manual processes and paper-based documentation to manage critical information.
GOAL
Our goal is to revolutionize the aviation industry by creating a seamless and efficient workflow for commercial pilots. We aim to eliminate the inefficiencies and disjointed processes caused by the lack of integration in existing systems.
By providing real-time aircraft performance data in a digital format,
we will reduce the reliance on manual paper-based processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency and decision-making for pilots.
Listening to the Users; Findings That Guide Our Design Strategy
To understand:
What are the commercial pilots motivations behind the specific task
The patterns behind the commercial pilots real time data process
How can technology have a positive effect on this process.
What information and tools are available for pilots before and during inflight journey
Uncovering user needs: from feedback to actionable insights
To understand commercial pilots experiences, I have interviewed six professionals, they fly 4-5 domestic flights and 12-14 hours work in day. Their insights highlighted the challenges and inefficiencies in accessing real-time performance data and managing manual, paper-based processes.
Time constraints and pre-flight preparation
Pilots face tight schedules, limited time for pre-flight reviews, and added pressure from last-minute changes or delays.
Weather and environmental conditions
Pilots adapt to weather, turbulence, and environmental changes, often with limited or delayed updates, especially on long flights.
Regulatory and safety standards
Pilots must navigate constantly changing aviation regulations and safety protocols, demanding time and precision.
Cognitive load and fatigue
Pilots endure fatigue from long hours and time zone shifts but must stay alert to manage systems, communicate with ATC, and make quick decisions.
Time constraints and pre-flight preparation
Pilots work under tight schedules with limited time for pre-flight tasks like reviewing flight plans, weather updates, and regulatory requirements, often strained further by last-minute changes or delays.
Weather and environmental conditions
Pilots constantly adapt to changing weather, turbulence, and environmental factors affecting flight paths and comfort, often with limited or delayed updates, especially on long-haul flights.
Regulatory compliance and safety standards
Pilots must strictly follow varied, frequently updated aviation regulations and safety protocols, which can be time-consuming and complex to manage.
Cognitive load and fatigue
Long hours, night shifts, and time zone changes contribute to pilot fatigue, yet they must stay alert while multitasking, managing systems, communicating with ATC, and making quick decisions.
Behavioural insights
The client has provided an additional 15 cockpit recordings, which offer valuable insights and ideas for understanding these challenges.
Adaptability in dynamic conditions
Pilots rely on real-time updates for safety and comfort, facing frustration with systems that delay critical information.
Resilience under cognitive strain
Pilots value intuitive systems that reduce workload by automating tasks and highlighting critical information.
Reliance on clear and actionable data
Pilots prefer tools that provide clear, prioritized information suited to each flight stage, supporting immediate needs.
Desire for seamless technology integration
Pilots prefer user-friendly solutions that minimize input and integrate seamlessly into their routines.
Time constraints and pre-flight preparation
Pilots work under tight schedules with limited time for pre-flight tasks like reviewing flight plans, weather updates, and regulatory requirements, often strained further by last-minute changes or delays.
Weather and environmental conditions
Pilots constantly adapt to changing weather, turbulence, and environmental factors affecting flight paths and comfort, often with limited or delayed updates, especially on long-haul flights.
Regulatory compliance and safety standards
Pilots must strictly follow varied, frequently updated aviation regulations and safety protocols, which can be time-consuming and complex to manage.
Cognitive load and fatigue
Long hours, night shifts, and time zone changes contribute to pilot fatigue, yet they must stay alert while multitasking, managing systems, communicating with ATC, and making quick decisions.
Quantitative insights into operational hurdles
A survey of 80 commercial pilots reveals that 65% have over six years of experience, primarily operating single-aisle or wide-body jets. Major challenges include time constraints (55%), connectivity issues (40%), and pre-flight tasks like reviewing flight plans (60%) and weather updates (55%). Pilots show high interest in EFF features, especially real-time weather updates (70%) and fuel calculation tools (60%), with 75% favoring customizable workflows.
FrAMEWORK FOR OPPORTUNITIES PRIORITISATION
To ensure our efforts aligned with both user needs and business goals, I introduced the "Innovation Dimensions" framework:
Improving pilot workflow efficiency
Provide a centralized interface for pilots to access essential documents with quick access to frequently used items.
Offline and connectivity-challenged
Enable offline mode with data caching, pre-downloads, and automatic sync when connectivity returns.
Customizable and user-centric interface
Provide customizable dashboards for pilots to personalize layouts, widgets, and quick-access menus, enhancing efficiency and reducing cognitive load.
Real-time data integration and decision
Integrate APIs for live weather, traffic, and fuel monitoring with real-time, relevant notifications to support data-driven decisions.
Fuel efficiency optimization
Integrate predictive fuel tools that factor in real-time variables and an interactive planner to optimize fuel loads safely.
Integration with airline operational systems
Develop APIs and integration points to connect the EFF with other operational systems, enabling data sharing and streamlining workflows across departments.
Opportunities for designing clarity and efficiency
CONCEPTUALISATION
My approach to wireframe for a Windows app to streamline pilot operations, featuring digital flight plan integration, real-time performance data, live weather updates, and automated communication logging. This approach reduces paper reliance, boosts workflow efficiency, and enhances the user experience in flight operations management.
Validating with Real Users
Lo-fi prototypes were tested with pilots and stakeholders, driving iterative improvements to the interface and data visualization. This refined key features like fuel plans and weather reports, making them more intuitive and actionable, ultimately enhancing the pilot experience.
USER-INTERFACES FOR THE COCKPIT
Through research, I came to understand aviation standards, including ARINC, SAE, FAA, and EASA, to ensure compliance. I identified the need for color schemes that provided optimal contrast for readability and typography that aligned with industry guidelines, ensuring clarity and accessibility in critical flight operations.
