MISSION LINK
A project that demonstrates a communication system linking three key participants in a mission, along with UI/UX features tailored to the specific needs of each role.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The objective of this project is to develop intuitive and highly functional user interfaces for military applications, specifically designed for the Apache helicopter, M1A2 Abrams tank, Infantry soldier, and command center. The project will deliver interactive prototypes emphasizing usability, accessibility, and seamless communication among mission participants.
MY ROLE
Led three teams of undergraduate designers, managing project scenarios, task assignments, and team coordination. Conducted research and consulted with a military expert to ensure accuracy and relevance in the designs.
Organized and Designed over all Joint Task Force Persona and Scenario
MAIN GOAL
Develop user interfaces for military applications for the Apache helicopter, M1A2 Abrams tank, Infantry soldier, and command center delivering interactive prototypes with a focus on usability and accessibility.
THE CHALLENGE
During this project, my goal was to manage three teams of designers while also creating a communications system between the commander, soldier, and data analyst throughout the course of a theoretical mission. The challenge with todays military systems can be factors hindering efficient communication, and decision making. This project showcases team designs created for specific military operations and mission tasks
Timeline
Week 1: Team creation, research & planning
Week 2: Wireframing and SME input
Week 3: Design Development
Week 4: Project Wrap-up & Fine Details
THE RESEARCH
All information used in this project is fictitious. Information used to aide this project along is all public domain and accessible.
Research involved gathering insights from military UX methods, officer training exercises, and relevant technologies. A US Army Major was recruited as a subject matter expert to provide critical feedback and guide the teams through project development. The research phase helped the team understand the unique needs of soldiers in the field, focusing on real-time communication, situational awareness, and safety.
Analysis & Planning
The project team was divided into three specialized groups, each led by a design manager and supported by 4-5 designers. These groups were tasked with developing user interfaces tailored to distinct military assets:
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Infantry Soldier
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1 Project Manager
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4 Designers
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M1A2 Abrams Tank
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1 Project Manager
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5 Designers
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AH-64 Apache
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1 Project Manager
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5 Designers
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The planning phase was methodical, with careful attention to aligning each group’s design tasks with the overarching project objectives. Teams were assigned to focus on specific military assets, ensuring that all design components addressed the operational needs and technological demands of the assigned unit.
Each group conducted in-depth research into their respective military unit, focusing on understanding the users who would interact with the interface. To inform their designs, the teams created detailed personas representing various military roles, built scenarios reflective of real-world operations, and identified key tasks that these users would need to perform.
The design focus for each interface was on critical features such as communication tools, real-time data displays, situational awareness components, and mission-critical information. Each group prioritized integrating these features into a cohesive, user-friendly interface that enhanced the efficiency and safety of military personnel in field operations. Through their research and design iterations, the teams aimed to create interfaces that met both functional and operational needs, ultimately contributing to a system that would enhance the effectiveness of military training and real-world engagements.
DESIGN
Design began with the creation of wireframes and mockups for the interface. Teams worked on their assigned components, ensuring that the design was user-friendly and consistent across all screens. Special attention was given to usability in high-stress environments, ensuring that soldiers could quickly access critical information through features like the call center and weather tracking.
AH-64 Apache
M1A2 ABRUMBS
INFANTRY SOLDIER
COMMAND CENTER
STYLE GUIDE
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TADS Interface
ENVG/Artificial Terrain Interface
Front Seat (Gunner) Interface/IFF
Back Seat (Pilot) Interface
Group 1:
AH-64 Helmet Mounted Display
Front/Back seat Apache Pilot Helmet Mounted Display Interface
Introduction
The AH-64 Apache helicopter, a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s aviation fleet, is designed for diverse missions, with a primary focus on providing tactical air support. This advanced assault helicopter operates with a two-person crew: the front-seat pilot, responsible for weapon systems operation, and the back-seat pilot, who navigates and controls the aircraft. To enhance situational awareness, Apache pilots rely on a helmet-mounted display (HMD).
This innovative device projects essential flight and weaponry data directly into the pilot's natural field of view, eliminating the need to look down at cockpit instruments.
This project not only improved the team’s technical and design capabilities but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and a user-centered mindset in tackling complex problems.
Problem Statement and Research
Current Situation
The existing Head-Mounted Display (HMD) used by Apache pilots is a monocle (single-eye) display. However, this system has notable issues, including user disorientation and the absence of a specialized HMD tailored to the gunner's position.
Proposed Solution
The proposed solution involves developing a new visor-based interface. This design offers a more ergonomic presentation of critical information, aiming to reduce disorientation. The interface will feature a toggleable system, enabling a customizable display tailored to each pilot position—specifically, the pilot and gunner. By incorporating role-specific optimization, the new system ensures task-specific performance enhancements.
Research and Development
Research efforts include data collection from unclassified military documents, manuals, and reliable online sources. Interviews were conducted with two helicopter pilots: a former OH-58D pilot and a current AH-64A pilot. Information gathered from these interviews was cross-referenced with online data for accuracy. Additionally, the pilots provided personal input on desired features for future HMD designs, contributing valuable insights for the development process.
Wireframing
Process
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Individual Sketches:
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Each team member contributed by creating sketches of their proposed HMD solutions. These sketches focused on mitigating user disorientation and presenting information ergonomically.
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Collaborative Workshop:
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The team reviewed and discussed each sketch collectively.
-
The best elements from individual designs were identified and integrated into a unified layout that addressed all project objectives.
-
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Wireframing:
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The consensus design was transformed into detailed wireframes to visualize the final interface concept.
-
All elements were clearly labeled to ensure clarity and facilitate further refinement.
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Elements of the Interface
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Primary Display Area: Positioned centrally to allow easy access to critical information while minimizing eye movement.
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Toggle Controls: Enable seamless switching between pilot and gunner interfaces, catering to role-specific requirements.
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Critical Information Overlay: Displays essential data such as altitude, speed, and heading, ensuring quick situational awareness.
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Communication Panel: Provides access to radio channels and communication statuses, supporting effective teamwork.
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Weapons Status: Displays information about available weaponry and its current status to aid in tactical decision-making.
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Sensor Data: Integrates real-time inputs from systems like infrared and night vision to enhance operational awareness in diverse conditions.
FINAL PRODUCT
Key Features:
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Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) Graphics:
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Purpose: Distinguishes between friendly and enemy targets.
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Toggleable: Can be activated or deactivated to reduce screen clutter.
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Artificial Terrain Rendering:
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Purpose: Provides a 3D representation of the terrain.
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Benefit: Enhances situational awareness, especially in challenging/unfamiliar environments.
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Target Acquisition and Designation Software (TADS):
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Purpose: Facilitates the identification and targeting of enemy assets.
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Functionality: Seamlessly integrates with other display elements.
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Interface Optimization:
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Clutter-Free Display: Features can be toggled on/off for a clear and efficient interface.
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User Clarity: Prioritizes important information based on pilot's needs.
Back Vs. Front Seat Interface:
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ENVG Display: Enhanced night vision capabilities for low-light conditions.
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TADS Display: Provides precise target acquisition and designation.
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Front Seat (Gunner) Interface:
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Optimized for weapon system management and target acquisition.
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Includes detailed weapon status and target information.
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Back Seat (Pilot) Interface:
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Optimized for piloting with features like the attitude ladder and basic weapon status.
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Focuses more on flight-specific information.
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The AH-64 Apache helicopter, a cornerstone of the U.S. Army’s aviation fleet, is designed for diverse missions, with a primary focus on providing tactical air support. This advanced assault helicopter operates with a two-person crew: the front-seat pilot, responsible for weapon systems operation, and the back-seat pilot, who navigates and controls the aircraft. To enhance situational awareness, Apache pilots rely on a helmet-mounted display (HMD).
This innovative device projects essential flight and weaponry data directly into the pilot's natural field of view, eliminating the need to look down at cockpit instruments.
This project not only improved the team’s technical and design capabilities but also emphasized the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and a user-centered mindset in tackling complex problems.
Current Situation
The existing Head-Mounted Display (HMD) used by Apache pilots is a monocle (single-eye) display. However, this system has notable issues, including user disorientation and the absence of a specialized HMD tailored to the gunner's position.
Proposed Solution
The proposed solution involves developing a new visor-based interface. This design offers a more ergonomic presentation of critical information, aiming to reduce disorientation. The interface will feature a toggleable system, enabling a customizable display tailored to each pilot position—specifically, the pilot and gunner. By incorporating role-specific optimization, the new system ensures task-specific performance enhancements.
Research and Development
Research efforts include data collection from unclassified military documents, manuals, and reliable online sources. Interviews were conducted with two helicopter pilots: a former OH-58D pilot and a current AH-64A pilot. Information gathered from these interviews was cross-referenced with online data for accuracy. Additionally, the pilots provided personal input on desired features for future HMD designs, contributing valuable insights for the development process.
Process
-
Individual Sketches:
-
Each team member contributed by creating sketches of their proposed HMD solutions. These sketches focused on mitigating user disorientation and presenting information ergonomically.
-
-
Collaborative Workshop:
-
The team reviewed and discussed each sketch collectively.
-
The best elements from individual designs were identified and integrated into a unified layout that addressed all project objectives.
-
-
Wireframing:
-
The consensus design was transformed into detailed wireframes to visualize the final interface concept.
-
All elements were clearly labeled to ensure clarity and facilitate further refinement.
-
Elements of the Interface
-
Primary Display Area: Positioned centrally to allow easy access to critical information while minimizing eye movement.
-
Toggle Controls: Enable seamless switching between pilot and gunner interfaces, catering to role-specific requirements.
-
Critical Information Overlay: Displays essential data such as altitude, speed, and heading, ensuring quick situational awareness.
-
Communication Panel: Provides access to radio channels and communication statuses, supporting effective teamwork.
-
Weapons Status: Displays information about available weaponry and its current status to aid in tactical decision-making.
-
Sensor Data: Integrates real-time inputs from systems like infrared and night vision to enhance operational awareness in diverse conditions.
M1A2 ABRAMS TANK
Group 2:
Introduction
Problem Statement and Research
Key Features:
-
Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) Graphics:
-
Purpose: Distinguishes between friendly and enemy targets.
-
Toggleable: Can be activated or deactivated to reduce screen clutter.
-
-
Artificial Terrain Rendering:
-
Purpose: Provides a 3D representation of the terrain.
-
Benefit: Enhances situational awareness, especially in challenging/unfamiliar environments.
-
-
Target Acquisition and Designation Software (TADS):
-
Purpose: Facilitates the identification and targeting of enemy assets.
-
Functionality: Seamlessly integrates with other display elements.
-
Interface Optimization:
-
Clutter-Free Display: Features can be toggled on/off for a clear and efficient interface.
-
User Clarity: Prioritizes important information based on pilot's needs.
Back Vs. Front Seat Interface:
-
ENVG Display: Enhanced night vision capabilities for low-light conditions.
-
TADS Display: Provides precise target acquisition and designation.
-
Front Seat (Gunner) Interface:
-
Optimized for weapon system management and target acquisition.
-
Includes detailed weapon status and target information.
-
-
Back Seat (Pilot) Interface:
-
Optimized for piloting with features like the attitude ladder and basic weapon status.
-
Focuses more on flight-specific information.
-
Work In Progress!
Come back to see it all come together
Wireframing
Final Product
Group 3:
INFANTRY SOLDIER
COMMAND CENTER
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Prototyping
Interactive prototypes were developed to simulate the HUD system’s functionality. The prototypes helped visualize the system’s layout, user flow, and key interactions, providing a tangible representation of the final product. Each group’s work was integrated to ensure consistency and continuity across the entire interface.