Use Case: Simplifying a Complex Satellite Communications Interface
Overview:
Satellite communication systems rely on highly technical, physics-based algorithms, resulting in dense data outputs and visually overwhelming interfaces. While the existing application satisfied engineering requirements, it failed to support user clarity and usability—leading to frustration, cognitive fatigue, and growing concerns about usability compared to competing platforms.
Challenge:
The legacy interface displayed every available data point, creating unnecessary visual clutter for users who needed quick, actionable insight rather than raw output. Internally, there was strong resistance to change, particularly from engineers who had grown accustomed to the existing design and questioned the need for a UX overhaul.
Approach:
I began by analyzing user feedback to identify pain points and opportunities. It became clear that simplifying information delivery—without sacrificing system transparency—would be key to improving usability.
User-Centered Redesign: I introduced a visual status indicator system using iconography to replace redundant text and present at-a-glance system health and state information.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Anticipating internal resistance, I engaged early and often with both legacy developers and product stakeholders. I framed the redesign around end-user needs and industry competitiveness, emphasizing that usability is a business-critical feature.
Personas & Wireframes: Developed detailed personas to maintain a consistent user-centered focus. Conducted iterative sketching, wireframing, and feedback loops with stakeholders and real users to validate concepts.
Feedback Integration: Encouraged open feedback throughout the design cycle. Clickable prototypes were tested with users to confirm interaction patterns, improve workflows, and refine the visual hierarchy.
Outcome:
The final high-fidelity mockups were well-received by both users and internal teams. The new interface struck a balance between technical depth and visual clarity—modernizing the experience without compromising mission-critical functionality.
Impact:
Positive user feedback on usability and aesthetic modernization
Enhanced internal alignment across engineering and design
A scalable style guide delivered to ensure consistency across future iterations
User Feedback Highlights:
“This design is so much more elegant than the old interface.”
“It looks so much more modern and easier to navigate.”
Conclusion:
By transforming a highly technical interface into a user-focused experience, the project demonstrated the strategic value of UX in complex domains. The result was not just a more attractive product—but one that empowered users to work more efficiently and confidently in a data-rich environment.