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NextGen Flight Planning:
Elevating Dispatch Efficiency

Transforming the flight planning experience for commercial aviation dispatchers.

My Roles - Researcher, UX Design, and UI Design

Tools - Figma, FigJam, User Testing, Jira, Confluence, Google Forms

Duration - 2-5 years, still in progress, 10 members, including developers and product managers

OVERVIEW

NextGen Flight Planning is a software product designed to assist aviation dispatchers in scheduling and managing commercial flights. As the UX Designer on this project, I focused on conducting in-depth research with dispatchers and creating user-centered designs. This project is vital because it directly impacts the safety and efficiency of commercial flight operations, ensuring dispatchers have the necessary tools to perform their jobs effectively without major disruptions.

DESIGN PROCESS

DesignProcess.png

PROBLEM

Commercial aviation dispatchers face challenges with outdated, cluttered, and misleading interfaces, leading to confusion and increased error rates in flight planning.

SOLUTION

We redesigned the interface to create a streamlined workflow, improving usability and reducing cognitive load for users.

GOALS

The project aimed to enhance flight planning efficiency, ensuring dispatchers can operate safely and effectively.

GOALS #1

Reduce the time spent planning upcoming flights by 30%.

GOALS #2

Minimize errors in flight scheduling by implementing a more intuitive interface.

GOALS #3

Minimize errors in flight scheduling by implementing a more intuitive interface.

COMPETITIVE RESEARCH

We conducted competitive research to gain insights into the features and solutions of our competitors as well as our current legacy products.

WIREFRAMES

Wireframes played a crucial role in translating our design concepts into structured layouts. They allowed us to visualize the flow of the application and test key features before finalizing the design. Feedback from stakeholders during this phase helped us refine the wireframes, ensuring that they addressed user needs and provided a solid foundation for further development.

USABILITY TESTING

We conducted usability testing sessions with 10 aviation dispatchers to gather feedback on the wireframes. The approach involved task-based scenarios that mimicked real-life flight planning situations. Key findings indicated that while navigation was largely improved, some users still struggled with specific features, prompting further iterations on the design.

PROBLEM #1

Some users found navigation through details confusing.

SOLUTION #1

We introduced clearer labels and a more intuitive layout to enhance navigation.

LEARNINGS

  • Understanding user behavior is critical for effective design.

  • Iterative testing leads to better usability outcomes.

  • Collaboration between design and development teams is vital in the design process.

NEXT STEPS

  • Conduct additional user testing on the final design.

  • Implement feedback from dispatchers and pilots to enhance the communication interface.

  • Prepare for a phased rollout and gather user feedback post-launch.

BUSINESS IMPACT

The NextGen Flight Planning project significantly enhanced dispatcher efficiency and reduced error rates. Our UX improvements contributed to smoother operations, ultimately leading to better safety outcomes and increased user satisfaction. By addressing key pain points, the project not only improved user experience but also aligned with broader business goals of operational excellence and customer trust.

30%

Reduction in Flight Planning Time

20%

Decrease in Scheduling Errors

25%

Increase in User Satisfaction

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