Pilot-centric design; approach to real-time, data-enhanced flight operations
Impact
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
Final Design
User frustration
Current systems lack integration, causing inefficiencies, commercial pilots often struggle to access real-time aircraft performance data, relying on manual processes and paper-based documentation lead to cognitive load on pilots.
Research
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
I interviewed six commercial pilots who fly 4-5 domestic flights and work 12-14 hours a day, their insights revealed challenges in accessing real-time data and manual intervention and 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.
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.
Quantitative insights into operational hurdles
A survey of 80 commercial pilots found that 65% have over six years of experience, mainly flying single-aisle or wide-body flights. Key challenges include time constraints (55%), connectivity issues (40%), and pre-flight tasks like reviewing flight plans (60%) and weather updates (55%). Pilots showed strong interest in EFF features, especially real-time weather updates (70%), fuel calculation tools (60%), and customizable workflows (75%).
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.
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.
Opportunities for designing clarity and efficiency
Conceptualisation
My approach to wireframe for a Windows app to streamline pilot operations with digital flight plan integration, real-time performance data, live weather updates, and automated communication logging, to reduces paper use, improves workflow efficiency.
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.
