Undersea Data Processing Unit
**ALL INFORMATION IN THIS CASE STUDY IS UNCLASSIFIED**
The Universal Data Processing Unit (UDPU) provides real-time monitoring of submarine engines and critical system signals to detect anomalies. Analyzing sensor data, the UDPU alerts crew to potential issues, enabling rapid response and minimizing downtime. This proactive diagnostic tool optimizes maintenance and ensures operational readiness.
Project Overview
CHALLENGE
The submarine's legacy diagnostic system, was reliant on outdated technology, suffered from slow processing speeds that hindered real-time anomaly detection and timely response to critical issues. Its antiquated architecture lacked modern security protocols which posed a significant vulnerability to data breaches and potential system compromises.
SOLUTION
The UDPU project prioritizes user experience, incorporating modern UX/UI design for an intuitive interface that empowers submarine crews to make informed decisions rapidly. Robust software engineering ensures reliable and maintainable software.
ROLE
User Experience Designer & Reseracher
TIME
12 Months
TASK
Replace legacy processing unit with an updated data processor and visualizer
TOOLS
Figma, Jira, Confluence, & Illustrator
Understanding the User
The UDPU project prioritized user research, conducting in-depth interviews with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), including submarine crew members, technicians and engineers. On-site lab visits provided valuable insights into the existing system's functionality and limitations, supplemented by meticulous analysis of legacy documentation. This ensured a comprehensive understanding of user needs, pain points, and workflows.
Collaboration was key, with the research team interviewing multiple types of users to ensure the redesigned system catered to specific needs. Continuous engagement with engineering guaranteed the UDPU project remained feasible within submarine operational constraints and adhered to stringent security standards for sensitive data.
The Legacy System
Capturing the Pain Points
OUTDATED UI/UX
SECURITY RISK
SLOW SPEEDS
Defining the User
THE ENGINEER
THE TECHINICIAN
THE SAILOR
Routes enables users to meticulously plan mission routes by selecting and configuring turnpoints, targets, and other critical navigational elements. This tool allows for precise route definition and customization to meet specific mission requirements.
Colors
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
Typography
Adding Value to the User
Streamlined Flow
5 STEPS TO GRAPH
We've revolutionized our legacy system with a focus on user experience and efficiency. By streamlining the workflow, we've drastically reduced the number of steps users need to take, simplifying the entire process. The redesigned interface now presents multiple fields and inputs simultaneously, providing a comprehensive view that allows for faster data entry and reduced errors. This user-centric approach empowers users to interact with the system more intuitively and productively.
UDPU now offers enhanced contextual analysis capabilities through the introduction of In-App Time-Stamped Notes. Users can now record observations directly within the application during data review. Each note is time-stamped, ensuring accurate correlation with specific points on the displayed graphs. This functionality streamlines the analysis process, eliminating the need for external note-taking tools and facilitating more efficient collaboration among colleagues through shared, time-stamped insights.
Pause & Rewind
BRINGING EASE TO THE SAILORS
Introducing greater control over your data exploration with UDPU's new Pause Feature. Users can now pause the timeline of any active graph, permitting detailed examination of specific data points. This functionality is particularly valuable when analyzing anomalies, spikes, or other notable fluctuations. By freezing the timeline, users gain the ability to meticulously scrutinize the data surrounding these events, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the underlying trends.
Prototyping & Testing
