Optifly - The Ultimate Schedule Optimization Tool for LCCs

Optifly's primary clients are major low-cost carriers (LLCs) seeking to enhance operational efficiency through advanced scheduling solutions. The company aims to help these airlines optimize their flight schedules, reduce operational costs, and improve overall service quality by harnessing the power of AI and machine learning. Notably, Optifly partners with leading LLCs such as Ryan Air, Vueling, and Eurowings, leveraging its cutting-edge technology to support these airlines in achieving their operational goals.

Optifly needed to develop a sophisticated software platform to manage the complex nature of flight scheduling, integrating seamlessly with airline operations and adapting to variables like weather, air traffic, and maintenance. The system also had to be user-friendly for airline staff with varying technical expertise.

Our collaborative task was to create Optifly's digital concepts, enhance their visual language, and ensure the platform was innovative and inclusive. This required thorough research, strategic planning, creative design, and iterative prototyping. Working hand in hand with Ryan Air's Scheduling Team, we gathered their valuable feedback and aimed to outperform Excel, which they used for scheduling over 20,000 flights. Our shared goal was to design a compact, modern, and user-friendly platform that efficiently handles extended use.

We developed a comprehensive strategy focused on research, design, and implementation to address these challenges.

We conducted market analysis and engaged with airline scheduling teams to understand their needs and pain points, defining clear project goals and success metrics. We created wireframes and prototypes to visualize the user interface, focusing on a clean, intuitive design that simplifies complex tasks. Feedback from airline staff was incorporated to refine usability.

Proprietary AI algorithms were developed to process data and provide real-time schedule optimization, adapting to dynamic variables and using machine learning to improve over time. Rigorous testing ensured reliability and performance. After real-world trials and gathering feedback, the software was successfully deployed across multiple LLCs with training and support for smooth adoption.

Our primary goal was to understand the scheduling challenges faced by low-cost carriers (LLCs) in the aviation industry. We conducted a comprehensive market analysis to identify pain points and opportunities while engaging directly with scheduling teams from major LLCs like Ryanair, Vueling, and Eurowings. Collaborative discussions and user research provided valuable insights into current practices and user needs, informing our design and development decisions.

Limited operational efficiency due to manual flight scheduling processes.

Inability to adapt quickly to changing variables such as weather conditions and air traffic control restrictions.

High operational costs associated with inefficient scheduling practices.

Difficulty in providing real-time optimization for flight schedules.

Need to compete with other scheduling solutions to attract and retain major low-cost carrier clients.

Creating a user-friendly interface for airline staff with varying levels of technical expertise.

Ensuring the platform integrates seamlessly with existing airline operations.

Designing a system capable of handling the complex and dynamic nature of flight scheduling.

Incorporating real-time optimization features while maintaining simplicity and clarity in the user interface.

Competing with Excel as the primary scheduling tool used by airline operations teams.

We prioritized efficiency and clarity in designing Optifly's scheduling platform, organizing the layout for intuitive navigation and essential functions. Clear labeling and visual hierarchy guided users, reducing errors and empowering staff with a powerful yet intuitive tool for schedule optimization.

In shaping Optifly's scheduling platform, we organized data logically to streamline navigation and task completion. Through thorough analysis, we mapped out the information hierarchy and established clear user pathways. Our interface design prioritized clarity and ease of use, employing consistent labeling and navigation menus to guide users efficiently. We also implemented search and filtering options for quick access to specific data. This approach aimed to empower airline staff with an intuitive tool that supported their workflow effectively.

During wireframing, we transformed Optifly's concepts into visual representations. Iterating through various layouts and interactions, we incorporated feedback to refine designs. This proactive approach addressed usability issues early, paving the way for an intuitive scheduling platform.

In the visual design phase, we created polished interfaces reflecting Optifly's brand identity. We carefully selected colors, typography, and imagery to ensure readability and usability while resonating with the target audience. Iterating on design concepts, we balanced aesthetics and functionality, maintaining intuitive navigation.

Our efforts have not been in vain. We prioritized consistency and accessibility, adhering to design standards to enhance user familiarity. Incorporating stakeholder feedback and usability tests, we refined the interface iteratively for optimal interaction. The result: visually engaging interfaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also contribute significantly to Optifly's goal of optimizing flight scheduling.

In the final design phase, we translated research insights into a visually appealing interface for Optifly. Refining visual elements and interactions from wireframes, we prioritized accessibility and conducted user testing. Collaborating closely with the development team, we optimized the platform's architecture for performance and scalability, resulting in a powerful scheduling solution for airlines.

Users can fine-tune flight schedules for the Schedules section by minimizing gaps between flights. AI-powered features like Flying Lines can identify opportunities to save time and optimize schedules for better efficiency. Additionally, users can access Settings and Analytics tools to customize and analyze their schedules further, enhancing overall performance and productivity.

Users can access historic Slots and Growth slots to enhance Slot Scheduling. Historic Slots provide insights into past scheduling patterns for informed decision-making. Growth Slots identify potential gaps and optimize resource allocation for future expansion. Together, these features help users optimize scheduling strategies and maximize efficiency.

In the Markets, users can manage and optimize flight schedules by analyzing market-specific data. This tool allows users to view and adjust flight numbers, as well as the 1st and 2nd legs of each route. By leveraging comprehensive market insights, the Markets section helps ensure efficient scheduling and maximizes route profitability, providing a strategic approach to flight planning and resource allocation.

The Duty Limitations section of Optifly helps users manage flight schedules while adhering to regulatory and company-specific duty constraints for crew members. This tool enables users to input and monitor duty limits, ensuring compliance with regulations and optimizing crew schedules. By tracking duty hours, rest periods, and other restrictions, the Duty Limitations section assists in creating efficient, legal, and safe flight schedules, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and crew well-being.

The Settings section of the Optifly web application allows users to customize various parameters to suit their scheduling needs. Users can adjust items such as Airports, AOC (Air Operator's Certificate), Aircraft Types, and Ground Time Overrides in this section. This flexibility ensures that the scheduling platform can be tailored to specific operational requirements, enhancing the precision and efficiency of flight scheduling. The Settings section supports a more streamlined and adaptable scheduling process by enabling users to configure these essential elements.

Our collaboration with Optifly has led to significant successes and tangible outcomes. Partnerships with major low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Eurowings, and Vueling have expanded Optifly's reach and influence, while our work with scheduling teams worldwide has enhanced software functionality and fostered strong relationships. Optifly's schedule optimization software has increased airline revenue by 2-4%, demonstrating its effectiveness. Looking ahead, we remain focused on continuous improvement and innovation to keep Optifly at the forefront of the industry, empowering airlines to thrive in a competitive market.

Web Guidelines Color Exploration Design System Guidelines Visual Language

Human Experience Design Product Design Components

Development Developer Handoff Developer QA Prototype Evaluation QA Testing

Deliverables Information Architecture Wireframes Design System and UI Kit