Optimising a Drone Camera Application
Client: Niche Software Solutions
The Aewa Camera needed to be optimised to improve drone surveillance capabilities, and minimise the loss of crucial data.
October-November 2023
Aewa is a ground control system (GCS) software for drones.
They are developing a centralised system enabling drone control, flight monitoring, data collection, and operational management during drone missions.
The Goal:
Enabling real-time integration of the map and the camera feed within the camera application to improve drone surveillance capabilities, and minimise the loss of crucial data.
The Pilot
The Pilot guided me throughout this project and allowed me to ask him even the most trivial questions. This ensured the legitimacy of all research, strategy, and solutions presented in this project.
Professional Background:
Job title: Drone Pilot
Total flying hours: 4000 hours (as of 20**)
Previous crew roles: Mission commander, Observer
Market Analysis
1. Not many camera applications are focused on, it’s mainly the GCS that is well designed
2. There are few open-source software that companies can use by putting their branding
3. “These software are developed, not designed”
4. None of the commercial camera applications have geo-tagging abilities during a flightost
About the Aewa Camera
Who is the target audience?
UAV Flight Crew
What is it’s significance?
The camera application is the most important because drones are used for surveillance. Hence, the application has to be equipped and detailed for optimum data collection.
The priority
Seamless amalgamation of the map and camera feed, so the flight observer can collect maximum data.
Auditing the Camera Application
Scoping The Journey
1. Flight Preparation
2. Mission Execution
3. Communicating Real-Time Needs
4. Mission Completion
5. Post-Mission Analysis
Core Problems
1. Real-time mapping incapabilities within the camera application for effective data collection obstructs vital data documentation.
2. The high-pressure and complex flight missions result in the loss of valuable insights during the mission, with no means to recover missed opportunities.
3. No systematic documentation of missions, resulting in unclear mission objectives.
How might we enable immediate decision-making under high-pressure situations, and deduce accurate results to meet objectives in the current camera application?
Brainstorming and UX Design
New Features
1. Map and camera feed integrated
Providing a parallel display of the map alongside the live camera feed from the drone for complete awareness.
Impact:
+ Enhanced situational awareness
+ Rapid decision making
+ Simultaneous tracking and interpretation
+ Reduced errors
2. Real-time location tagging
Capability to add real-time location markers during in-flight missions
Impact:
+ Certainty assured
+ Accurate documentation
+ Quick data capture
+ Enhanced efficiency
3. Marker documentation
Marker cards will include:
- Rename marker label
- Coordinates of the point
- Map thumbnail of location
- Marker description
- Delete marker
Impact:
+ Comprehensive record keeping
+ Customisability
+ Precise locating
4. Mission vault
All flight mission recordings are saved and stored in the mission vault. Each mission’s video clips, screenshots, markers, and mission notes/ description can be accessed and edited from here.
Impact:
+Convenient access to all missions
+ Centralised storage
+ Efficient post-mission analysis
+ Complete mission overview
5. Marking in a recorded flight playback
Markers can be added during video replays and are automatically recorded and stored with their respective coordinates.
Impact:
+ Marking and annotation
+ Reduces performance pressure
+ Focused and intuitive state of mind
Usability Testing and Changes
Final Prototype
