Period
Apr 2022 – Jan 2023
Brand
Evolve 2
Role
User Interface Design
User Experience Design
Prototype
The popularity of consumer drones has been on the rise. However, to ensure that pilots follow local and international regulations and avoid accidental enter to restricked zone, the government has deemed it necessary to develop a GEO fence system that defines boundaries.
The popularity of consumer drones has been on the rise. However, to ensure that pilots follow local and international regulations and avoid accidental enter to restricked zone, the government has deemed it necessary to develop a GEO fence system that defines boundaries.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the airspace for drones in the US. There are different classes of airspace, each with specific rules for drone use. The classes are Class A, B, C, D, E, and G. The rules for flying a drone also depend on why you are flying it, such as for fun or for work. It’s important for drone pilots to know the rules before they fly. In the US, drone pilots can’t fly lower than 400 feet or within 5 miles of an airport or air traffic control tower. Most other countries have similar rules.
We’ll look at three drone companies: AirMap, AirHub, and DJI AirSense. AirMap, AirHub, and DJI AirSense each offer unique solutions to address the challenges of drone management and airspace integration. While AirMap provides a comprehensive airspace intelligence platform, AirHub focuses on enterprise-level drone management, and DJI AirSense enhances situational awareness for drone pilots. Choosing the right solution will depend on the specific needs of the user, their industry, and the scale of drone operations.
We also test how drones react when they encounter restricted zones and altitude limitations.
Obtaining data for all the restricted zones around the world can be challenging and time-consuming, as it involves verifying every government boundary, private airport, and other restricted areas. However, we can start by obtaining data for airport areas as a first step. We believe that the data can become more complete as the popularity of the geo fence system grows.
Flying a drone without a geofencing system is very dangerous because people may unintentionally enter restricted zones without knowing it, which can cause accidents or incidents. It’s important to use a geofencing system to prevent drones from crossing into restricted areas.
We met some pilots who are concerned about following regulations and believe that using a GEO fence system can help prevent them from breaking the rules. When it comes to flying in Restricted Zones, many pilots are unsure of how to obtain authorization. Only a few pilots who have obtained the Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA are qualified to apply for Advanced Operations, which enables them to fly in no-fly zones. This Advanced Operation is required when fly in important areas like tourist attractions, hotels, casinos, and racetracks for business purposes.
While users find this feature useful, they are still concerned about breaking regulations due to insufficient information.
– Pilot fly the drone for hobbies
Access to certain operations within a restricted zone may be required. If the app can provide entry to unlock the GEO fence system it might help.
– Pilot fly the drone for Commercial
4 different type of Restricted Zones and Altitude Zones
Following our analysis of user interviews, we have identified four distinct types of restricted and altitude zones . Some of these zones strictly prohibit drone flights. To prevent users from mistakenly flying into these areas, we have determined seven situations in which a pilot may approach or enter restricted and altitude zones.
1. Approaching altitude-restricted zones below 60m
2. Approaching altitude-restricted zones above 60m
3. Approaching standard restricted zones
4. Transitioning from altitude zones to restricted zones
5. Taking off in altitude-restricted zones
6. Taking off in restricted zones
7. Flying in restricted zones without authorization
To develop a user-friendly, accurate, and transparent system that informs drone pilots about safe and restricted flying zones, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting overall safety.
We brainstormed possible user experiences for the new feature, focusing on Authorized and Unauthorized flights. The restricted zone feature will be safeguarded by our geofence system, helping pilots understand areas where they cannot fly their drones. The Authorized Flight feature offers a solution for those who already have permission to fly in restricted areas. After discussing various options, we determined the most practical and effective solution for implementing this feature.
We have developed two solutions to cater to different types of pilots. For General Pilots who do not fly in restricted zones, we provide solid and reliable information to ensure their safety through a feature called the GEO Fence system. On the other hand, for Certificated Pilots who have authorization to fly in certain restricted areas, we offer an option to unlock the GEO Fence system, allowing them to access these areas. This feature is called Advanced Operation.
The GEO Fence System for drones involves creating a virtual boundary around a specific area using GPS coordinates. The drone is programmed to recognize this boundary and remain within it during flight. If the drone approaches or crosses the boundary, the system sends an alert to the operator or automatically prompts the drone to return to a designated location.
For Advanced Operation, pilots can input their personal information, such as mobile number, personal ID, FAA aircraft registration number, Part 107 number, etc., to unlock the GEO Fence system. This allows them to fly without any limitations.
We recruited a total of 6 pilots to come to do the test in sicene park. Half of them dont know we create a Restricted Zones next to us. another half we inform them, and let know a make advanced operation in the Restricted Zones
Our goals for the testing were to:
1. Test discoverability of newly designed notification is it enough clear for our user.
2. Test discoverability and usability of new interaction flow
3. Learn about pilot behavior, especially how would they do when getting close to the boundary.
We target three important problems during the Advanced Operation
Key Finding #1: At times, pilots may only want to unlock the system for a short period and require a reminder for subsequent unlocks.
Solution: provide a period selection for pilots. They can only fly during that period.
Key Finding #2: Occasionally, exporting flight logs may be necessary to complete an application, but it is not always mandatory.
Solution: A shortcut to export the flight log exclusively for advanced operations should be provided.
Key Finding #3: In some locations with multiple Restricted Zones, pilots may only have access to one of these zones. They still desire a GEO Fence system to prevent them from inadvertently entering the other Restricted Zones.
Solution: Tap to unlock. In order to unlock a particular area, tap on that specific location.
Technical Problems That Need To Be Solved By An Engineer:
1. Storage of flight control limitations for a GEO fence system.
2. Verification of large amounts of drone data.
3. Flight control system needs modification to prevent RTH function from breaching geofenced areas.
