BATTLE SPACE MANAGEMENT - 2019
Battle Space Management and Predictive Diagnostics for Satellite Operations
Role
User Experience Lead & Software Engineer T2
Services
Product Design, Concept Vision, Project Execution, Design Systems
Project Overview
Our satellite systems require round-the-clock observation, to ensure these critical assets are secured and able to preform their duties. From solar flares to space debris, there is no short list to the amount of threats these assets face every day. Additionally, for the system to work, we have to ensure the ground stations that receive satellite data are also operationally sound. The ability to do this relies on remote interfaces to train, execute, and monitor these capabilities. This project was about reducing the complexity and making these systems operate in a modern world.
The Challenge
An out dated and decentralized battle space management and predictive diagnostics system, needed to be redesigned to streamline satellite operations and ground station maintenance in the modern world. This system facilitated satellite maneuvering and collision avoidance while supporting the military, education, and agriculture sectors. It also trained users to manage real-world satellite execution scenarios.
The legacy system was outdated, difficult to learn, and required complex inputs that made navigation and execution cumbersome. Improving usability and information architecture (IA) was essential for user adoption.
Key Results
Centralized System
Data Driven Practices
Streamlined workflows
Operational Efficiencies
Improved Usability
Methods
User Interviews
Stakeholder Interviews
Video Studies
Live Studies
Workshops
Design Thinking
Role
UX Lead & Software Engineer
Team
2 UX Deisngers
2 Front End Developers
4 Backend Developers
1 Database Architect
1 Machine Learning Engineer
The Solution
A centralized battel space management and predictive diagnostic tool for remote teams, that simplified critical remote aerospace operations and maintenance.
DISCOVERY
Defining the bigger probelm
Listening to the problems of the users…
Understanding how the business works…
Obviously, battle space management and the ecosystem surrounding it is not something discussed in most peoples everyday lives. The project started with the entire team being onboarded to the intricacies of satellite operations, ground stations, threats faced in space, how these systems operated, and the list goes on. This was done with both interviews from stakeholders, as well as users themselves, so our team could better understand perspectives on both sides.
From these interviews, demos, and additional learnings, we were able to derive insights, begin formulating hypothesis, and synthesis the information gathered. With additional workshops, and deeper dives, we then entered into a agile method of research, ideation, validation, optimization, re-validation, development, and release to a sandbox environment for thorough testing. This allowed us to have a continuous feedback loop with users and stakeholders and ensure the changes were made without major bugs that could hugely impact our space assets.
Uncovering prioritized business goals
Identified Pain Points
01
Friction in Usability
02
Lack of Structure
03
Decentralization
04
Outdated System
05
Steep Learning Curve
06
Accessibility
Goals, considering discovery outcomes
Unified and Integrated
Foster seamless connectivity and data exchange between different components and external systems to promote interoperability.
Automated &
Insights-Driven
Utilize data analytics and insights to inform decision-making, improve user experiences, and drive business outcomes.
Personalized,
Customizable, &
Flexible
Enable adaptable and customizable workflows that can be easily modified to accommodate
changing requirements and personalization.
Modular &
Scalable
Design the platform with a modular architecture that can easily scale to accommodate growth and evolving needs.
Near Real-Time Data & Notifications
Provide timely and relevant
notifications to users, delivering information in real-time to enhance
engagement and responsiveness.
Design Solution
Comprehensive solutions built on collaboration
How we designed it
#1 We Listened
Through interviews, meetings, observations, and many other factors, we were able to listen to the needs of both the business and the users. This was critical for understanding the deeper problems, beyond the surface level issue of the software.
#2 We Iterated
We chose to work in a collaborative approach, where we invited members from all departments and teams to ideation workshops. While facilitating this, I was able to help the group understand what the objective was, and maintain a constructive discord throughout each workshop.
#3 We Clarified and Validated
Clarifying and validating our initial concepts was vital in the long-term success of our project and processes. This, on many occasions, helped us ensure major errors in flow and needs were identified and fixed, well before they were put into development. This approach was different from the previous approach on the system, where a lot of time was wasted in development because screens were not planned or tested before going into code. My role, and my teams role, was the first time the system had worked with UX design integrated into an agile process.
One major outcome from validation sessions was the need for different theme modes. Sectors like education and agriculture were fine with a light theme, but military sectors enlightened us to the fact that the light theme would be draining on their eyes in various scenarios where they were operating the system in darker environments.
#4 We Delivered
Our work struck a cord not only with stakeholders but with users as well. The changes we made delighted them, and once the data came in, we could clearly see a difference our design made in users ability to navigate, utilize, learn, and execute.
Impact and Results
Improved Task Completion: 93% task completion rate, up from 32%.
User Feedback: Achieved a 9/10 average user satisfaction rating on new releases.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration: The system fostered collaboration across military, agricultural, and educational sectors.
