Modernization Dashboard Design

Omni Federal secured the Air Force SBIR Phase 3 contract to advance the modernization initiative for BESPIN (Business and Enterprise Systems Product Innovation). This case study details my involvement in designing the dashboard, creating wireframes, and developing prototypes for the CNS/ATM (Communications, Navigation, Surveillance/Air Traffic Management) modernization project.

The CNS/ATM modernization initiative aimed to address several challenges:

Complexity: The existing systems lacked a user-friendly interface, resulting in low user adoption and inefficiencies.

Data Organization: Critical aircraft performance data was scattered and lacked proper organization.

Awareness: Users struggled to stay informed about updates, leading to communication gaps.

My role was instrumental in improving the user experience and addressing these challenges.

I initiated the project by focusing on the CNS/ATM dashboard, a vital user element. Key improvements included:

User-Centric Layout: Redesigning the dashboard layout to prioritize essential functions based on user needs.

Intuitive Navigation: Implementing user-friendly navigation and clear call-to-action elements.

I created detailed wireframes to visualize the proposed changes. This phase involved:

User Interviews: Conducting user interviews to gather insights and ensure the wireframes align with user expectations.

Information Architecture: Structuring the layout to optimize data organization and accessibility.

To provide stakeholders with a tangible experience, I developed interactive prototypes. This phase encompassed:

Usability Testing: Conducting usability tests to collect feedback and refine the design iteratively.

Seamless Interactions: Ensuring that the prototypes offered smooth transitions and interactions for an immersive user experience.

Wireframing: The first step was transforming wireframes into a functional, clickable prototype. This involved translating static designs into interactive screens that captured the intended user experience.

Interactivity: I introduced interactive elements, including buttons, dropdowns, and navigation features. These components simulated real user interactions, giving stakeholders a tangible sense of the final product.

User-Centric Iteration: I incorporated feedback from user testing sessions through multiple iterations. This iterative process was instrumental in refining the prototype to meet user needs and project objectives.

Component Library: Building a comprehensive library of reusable UI components was a significant part of my role. This library included buttons, forms, menus, and various other elements, streamlining the design process and ensuring consistency.

Guidelines and Documentation: I compiled detailed design guidelines and documentation for the design system. This documentation was a reference point for the team and future contributors, ensuring a unified and consistent design language.

Maintenance: I actively maintained and updated the design system beyond the initial development. This ongoing effort was essential to accommodate evolving project requirements, user feedback, and technological advancements.

Visual Identity: I created a visually appealing and user-friendly interface. This encompassed decisions on color palettes, typography, and overall visual aesthetics.

Custom Icons: To enhance usability and maintain visual consistency, I designed custom icons that aligned with the project's objectives and improved user understanding.

The redesign of the CNS/ATM modernization dashboard, along with the wireframes and prototypes, led to significant improvements:

Enhanced User Adoption: Users reported increased satisfaction and higher adoption rates of the new interface.

Efficient Data Access: The improved organization of aircraft performance data streamlined workflows.

Improved Awareness: Users could now stay informed about updates and communicate more effectively.

The collaboration between Omni Federal, BESPIN, and the CNS/ATM Center of Excellence resulted in a successful UX redesign for the modernization initiative. This project showcases the impact of user-centric design and innovative UX solutions in transforming complex systems, ultimately supporting the Air Force's mission to enhance communications, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management.

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