avio - touch and go

Three questions to the project team

What was the particular challenge of the project from a UX point of view?
One of the biggest UX challenges was designing for a high-stakes, high-pressure environment and for expert users with a very specific mental model that we first had to understand. Air traffic controllers work in situations where every second matters and the cost of confusion or delay can be critical.
The real challenge wasn’t just simplifying complexity, but prioritizing information in a way that aligns with how controllers think, act and make decisions. We had to create an interface that feels intuitive under pressure, minimizes cognitive load and provides instant clarity, all within the strict protocols of aviation.

What was your personal highlight in the development process? Was there an aha!-moment, was there a low point?
The highlight of the project was definitely the field study at the control tower. Seeing real air traffic controllers at work – their workflow, efficient communication, deep knowledge of the field and how they use their interfaces was the most fascinating thing to study. 
Developing a cohesive solution was definitely a challenge: after every user test we had more flaws to fix and regulations of aviation to follow. We identified flaws, discussed them critically and made targeted improvements. 

The aha! moment was validating our final concept with users and hearing that it actually made their work feel easier was incredibly fulfilling. It proved that all the complexity, testing and effort led to a cohesive solution that truly works.

Where do you see yourself and the project in the next five years?
avio has been submitted to the DFS (Deutsche Flugsicherung) development team with the hope that some of its core ideas and insights can be implemented in future air traffic control systems. Even small improvements in this context can lead to meaningful impact.
In the future, the insights we gained through avio will serve us as a foundation to continue working in the UX field with a focus on rethinking and improving complex systems in innovative ways within professional environments.