Product

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required a more efficient and streamlined process for recording inspection results in real-time while their flight inspectors are in the field. This project aimed to revolutionize the data collection process by identifying opportunities for innovation and developing design concepts based on both insights and foresights. During the initial consultation phase, we established a comprehensive framework for idea generation, rapid prototyping, and crafting a detailed product roadmap.

Task

Develop a Mobile App Integration for the Data Collection Tool (DCT) within the Safety Assurance System (SAS) to enhance the inspection process for Flight Inspectors, ensuring efficient, timely regulatory compliance and safety data gathering.

The Problem

Flight inspectors do not have a digital tool handy while on the field to enter flight inspection findings.

Adapt

Flight inspectors have pen and paper to record the inspection results. If that's not available they have to memorize every detail.

Flight inspectors quote '“With a digital solution, I can ''
elevate my accuracy and efficiency leaving no room for oversight.'

Redundant

Flight inspectors currently use a desktop application - Safety Assurance System (SAS) to enter inspection details at a later time.

Flight inspectors quote '“ Transition from pen and paper to
a digital solution all while ensuring the highest standards of flight safety.'

Challenging

Inspection at night is difficult for almost all inspectors. Night schedule, inadequate lighting negatively affects cognitive performance.

Flight inspectors quote '“Inspecting at night is tough for me.
The late hours and poor lighting make it hard to stay focused.'

Opportunity

How can we improve the flight inspection process for efficient, accurate data entry and seamless integration with existing digital systems?

Adapt → Efficient

Developing a digital platform to eliminate the need for pen and paper, enhancing the flight inspection process.

Redundant → Improved

Enhance data entry for flight inspectors by introducing a mobile app (SAS) for entering inspection findings in the field, streamlining the process and boosting productivity.

Challenging → Seamless

By introducing night mode functionality and enhanced visibility settings, the aim is to facilitate smooth and effective inspections during nighttime operations.

My Role

Senior Product Designer -

Initiated involvement at the scoping stage, collaborating closely with Federal Human Factors specialists and executive business stakeholders
Strategized to define a user-centered product design approach with a focus on specific business outcomes

Collaborative Effort and Execution -

Collaborated with the Federal Aviation team
Executed responsibilities throughout the project, including research, ideation workshop facilitation, and providing strategic guidance in the analysis, design, and engineering stages
Led key meetings and presentations attended by influential business and engineering stakeholders

Championing Figma Adoption: Significant Impact and FAA Purchase Interest -

Successfully introduced Figma as a primary design tool to both KBR and Federal teams, enhancing collaboration and efficiency
Landmark Achievement: Captured FAA's interest in purchasing Figma, underscoring the tool's value and marking a significant milestone in the project's success

Managerial Responsibilities -

Overseeing overall design, ensuring adherence to timelines, and maintaining deliverable quality
Developed a UI Kit to enhance the design workflow
Took charge of SCSS/CSS development, contributing to the consistency, product's success and positive business impact

Methods -

Information Architecture, Concept Map, Usability Testing, A/B Testing, Wireframes, Visual Mock-up, Rapid Prototype, Iteration

Vision for Data Collection App

Key business drivers for mobile App strategy

User Excitment

Simple to use
Easy to learn
Reliably fast
Scalable to engagement

Operational Excellence

Adhere to the current business process and enhance it based on the existing web application
Support in both connected mode (with VPN connection) and disconnected mode (without connection)
Existing desktop application remains intact.
Additional features for Mobile/iPad only

Client Relevance

Collaboration and integration with existing desktop application
Consistent output
FAA inspectors to enter Data Collection, Activities, and Tasks using a mobile device
Option to choose dark mode

Ideation and Design Approach

JAD (Joint Application Development), Ideation and Design Approach

Data collection participants for research

70

FLIGHT INSPECTORS

Research was conducted with over 70 flight inspectors of varying seniorities. The study was carried out online, with results recorded using PollsEverywhere.

Data collection - JAD questions to participants

25

QUESTIONS

The questions aim to understand the challenges with Data Collection Tool (DCT) at inspection sites, focusing on factors that may affect efficiency and accuracy.

Key Findings

Efficiency and Mobility:

Enables FAA inspectors to efficiently input data on iPhones, ensuring smooth performance with large datasets.
Supports both online and offline modes, allowing inspectors to work without a VPN.
Provides access to native device features like camera and geolocation, enhancing the inspection process on mobile devices.

Integration:

Facilitates re-engagement with the desktop application, ensuring continuity between desktop and mobile usage.
Allows seamless transition between mobile and desktop platforms for uninterrupted workflow.
Ensures that the existing desktop application remains unchanged, maintaining familiarity and consistency for users.

Enhanced Functionality:

Harnesses native device features to improve data collection efficiency and accuracy.
Integrates mobile-specific functionalities to optimize the inspection process on iPhones.
Introduces a Sticky Notes feature exclusively for the mobile app, enhancing note-taking capabilities for field observations.

Design Iterations

Sitemap

Impact

CAT cases passed

99%

Before launch, System Integration Testing (SIT) was conducted with 30 Customer Acceptance Test (CAT) cases that covered 137 requirements (including offline support and dark mode), with 99% CAT cases passed.