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Quantum Signal AI

At Quantum Signal AI, I worked in a multi-disciplinary capacity as UX Designer. Our cross-functional teams, comprised of designers, developers, and engineers, built robust interfaces for operating advanced vehicular platforms. Taking on difficult challenges and pushing the limits of both software and hardware solutions was the name of the game. I was a vital asset on numerous flagship projects that skyrocketed Quantum Signal's success and raised the bar for human machine interaction (HMI) interfaces that we produced.

Project Case Study

Interceptor Robotic Sentry System

A cutting-edge interface developed to control multiple autonomous vehicle sentries with a sleek, simple, and intuitive interface.

Observations & Research

The Interceptor system was designed to assist security personnel at facilities with geographical and / or environmental challenges where physical intervention is very difficult. I was the lead UX designer tasked with developing the front-end components and functionality of the application.

As the project was kicked-off, I was involved in conversations, both internally and with the client, where we discussed our goals and project road-map. There were so many facets to this project from hardware limitations, software limitations, and external factors that included everything from operating under sub-optimal environmental conditions to interacting with the hardware components with thick gloves on and what challenges that would present.

Tactical Display : The Tactical Display component of the application allows for real-time monitoring and control of the entire site, including camera, sentry, and sensing hardware. The user can view and manipulate cameras, dispatch and communicate with vehicle sentries, and monitor / interact with events that are generated by on-site sensing equipment.

Operator Control Unit (OCU) Display : The OCU Display component of the application allows the user to control a vehicle sentry platform via a gamepad device. The interface controls allow the user to access basic driving functions, such as steering, braking, and acceleration, as well as interact with other on-board components such as cameras, audio capture / transmission, and lights.

Vehicle Sentry Platform : The vehicle sentry platform is capable of operating under full-autonomy, teleoperation, and manual control. The vehicle, a Polaris Ranger, is modified and outfitted with both front and rear facing cameras, a loudspeaker, manual e-stop triggers, and a computer that is connected to the OCU.

Goals, Strategy, & Execution

Throughout the design process, I worked closely with our mechanical engineers and software developers to ensure optimal synergy between the UI and system architecture. Frequent testing, feedback sessions, and sprint check-ins allowed us to iterate and get new features to code quickly, deploying up-to-date development builds and test plans.

Results & Learnings

The system was initially deployed and tested by the US Army in 2016. Military personnel were able become proficient with the system and effectively operate a vehicle sentry in less than two hours with observed training sessions. Their enthusiasm for the system was a resounding success, with top leadership and rank and file officers stating: "This is the most intuitive interface we’ve ever used!"

Interceptor DNA

The Interceptor brand, design system, and visual language were developed around a foundational set of core design pillars: simplicity, dependability, and technological innovation. The logo combines three abstract visual elements; a shield (security), an eye (surveillance), and a checkmark (preparedness).

Vehicle Sentry Platform

The vehicle sentry platform, equipped with advanced hardware and software components, is capable of long-range teleoperation, point-and-go autonomy, and manual human control.

Operator Control Unit (OCU)

The Interceptor OCU (Operator Control Unit) display allows the user to operate a vehicle sentry platform from a device with internet access. The OCU interface features a dashboard style UI that displays critical vehicle information, a map with satellite imagery of the area immediately surrounding the vehicle, and pinned camera feeds that are pushed from the Tactical Display.

Hardware & Software

The vehicle sentry has multiple cameras, both fixed and adjustable, on-board for both operational and reconnaissance purposes.

Gamepad Control

The Interceptor OCU controller mapping for a standard XBOX gamepad. This input is used for all OCU / vehicle sentry control functions.

System Definition & Satellite Imagery

The Tactical Display map consists of satellite imagery, physical component definitions, including vehicle sentry platforms, cameras, and sensing hardware, as well as detected events that warrant attention.

Tactical Display

The Tactical Display interface provides an overview of the entire Interceptor system. The user can monitor and dispatch vehicle sentry platforms, view and manipulate cameras, and monitor and assess detected events.

On-Board Vehicle Sensing

Lidar sensing on-board the vehicle sentry platform, used for autonomous vehicle operation, scans the surrounding environment for obstacles.

OCU Selection Via The Tactical Display.

Vehicle sentry platforms can be monitored and controlled via the Tactical Display.