Overwatch: Designing the Next Generation C-UAS Interface
Rochester Institute of Technology, Fall 2023
Problem Statement
Diplomatic Security’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) operators in Post Alpha need a more centralized interface that autonomously gathers data from multiple C-UAS sensors and feeds the most relevant information into one single view. This single pane of glass approach needs to be optimized with UI/UX principles in mind in order to better monitor threats and make evidence-based decisions from Post Alpha and beyond.
Problem Scoping and Discovery
The team conducted 81 discovery interviews and gained the following insights:
Field Service Watchstanders experience screen fatigue and alert fatigue due to long hours at C-UAS systems
The C-UAS program team can give feedback to vendors to improve their systems, but there is currently no process to collect feedback from the systems’ end users
Solution Proposed
Their proposed solution is to conduct regular feedback surveys with C-UAS operators to understand how they interact with systems, and to use the data collected to create a modular interface that allows operators to customize their displays to fit their personal preferences and the needs of their post. The students designed a mock-up of an updated interface based on the data they collected over the course of the semester.
Results
The problem sponsor plans on sending the students proposed UI mock-up to their C-UAS system vendor to request changes be made. They have already begun distributing the students feedback survey to all of the field service watchers worldwide to collect their feedback on how to improve the system.