VRAI

HEAT Simulation Training

VRAI have created a virtual reality simulation product that allows a user to train in a VR environment. But how does the user interact with the product, my job is to identify what the touch points and opportunities are from the first interaction, throughout the journey, to package this, creating a user-centric product.

My Role
Researcher
Client liason
User interface design lead
User experience design lead
Test facilitator

Duration
Live | 2020-Present

Project Type
Professional
Live Clients

Team
Lead Tech Developer
Junior Developer
Outsourced devs and data engineers
3D Artist
Product Designer (me)

01 The HEAT Ecosystem

The HEAT product has different teams all collaborating to build one product. Designers, developers, data experts and other teams are all using online tools, working remotely to meet deliverables. Our client base was expanding, the demand for more resources was prominent.

With new talent and less time it was clear we needed a design system, clear examples and an end to end blueprint to ensure alignment. I started from the beginning mapping out all elements we needed and began our visual style guides which continue to be developed today.

Consistent Style

Albeit experiences for clients are bespoke, I designed the global HEAT brand interface overlaid on each project. With these, I created and continue to iterate HEAT VR style guides including interaction best practices and recommendations for our development teams.

I create a range of documentation to accompany this we keep in our team wiki. Each style guide has reference links for our junior developers to follow.

02 The Dashboard

Data is the new gold. With a million data points being collected each second, what do we show the user? We identified that by adding machine learning, the product could significantly improve with each use while analysing the productivity of the sessions. But how do we show this to the user, how do we show this to the customer?

We created a dashboard is to be the front panel of analytics for all the data being collected while the user is in simulation. We wanted to create a place the user could see their rank among their peers, introducing gamification. We wanted their directors to see where gaps were and where improvements are needed.

The dashboard for this project shows the airmanship ability, which is based on their communication and lookout.

03 Winching Simulation

One live project we delivered recently that used our HEAT platform was a winching simulation. I took ownership of this and was the sole designer. The project aims to train pilots and winch operators in their communication abilities.

I needed to understand their physical process, take it and convert it into a digital world. I began with storyboards and flows to share with the team than while the developers were creating the backend I began on the front end. I designed how the user would interact with this and what they would see. I gave these designs to the developer and together we created the finished product.

Direct Feedback

I had the opportunity to visit the client with our beta version of the simulation. I could personally take them through the product from start to finish and watch how they interacted with it. This allowed me to take feedback from them directly and map out possible feature refinements and improvements.

03.1 Simulation interface

I used my pre-defined UI guidelines to create a simulation interface based on the user flow I created. I used Google material design as a base and built upon that to be brand consistent.

I research the current systems these pilots would be familiar with to design something to suit their already build in behaviours.

03.2 User Guide

With a mass of tech equipment and hardware, there is something special about the tactility of a small piece of paper.

I created a user guide including a quick start guide, what’s included in their VRAI Package, controls, care and cleaning guide.

04 Things I Learnt

04.1 Testing

Remote testing with the developer was challenging. I would screen share my desktop which was mirroring the VR simulation while simultaneously video calling the team from my laptop - far enough away to see me, but not be in the way.

Updating builds and fixing bugs took longer than before with me playing the role of a tech expert by them telling me what to do at each step via screen share.

04.2 Relationships are key

It’s the relationship we make with each client that lets us gather authentic feedback and deliver high-quality products. Aligning with them every step of the way creates excitement on both sides and allows us to test early and quickly. Ironing out wrong steps and kinks along the way.