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Sky Rescue - An UAV Mission Experience

Sky Rescue

An UAV Mission Experience

This project reimagines UAV search-and-rescue operations through a human-centered, immersive experience. By aligning interface design with cognitive, perceptual, and ergonomic principles, the system supports real-time collaboration, intelligent automation, and spatial awareness across multiple operator roles helping teams make faster, safer, and more informed decisions in high-pressure, time-critical environments.

This project reimagines UAV search-and-rescue operations through a human-centered, immersive experience. By aligning interface design with cognitive, perceptual, and ergonomic principles, the system supports real-time collaboration, intelligent automation, and spatial awareness across multiple operator roles helping teams make faster, safer, and more informed decisions in high-pressure, time-critical environments.

Experience designed for the moments that matter in real -life!

Experience designed for the moments that matter in real -life!

16 Weeks

16 Weeks

Figma

Figma

Human-Centered

Human-Centered

Mission Journey

Mission Journey

01

Mission Setup

Operators prepare the UAV and define flight paths using terrain maps and weather data. Roles are assigned: Pilot, Navigator, and Payload Operator. Mission objectives, communication channels, and safety protocols are established.

02

Navigation

The drone lifts off smoothly, following pre-planned routes. The Navigator monitors GPS coordinates and signal strength, ensuring the UAV stays on course across challenging terrain.

03

Search & Detection

The UAV scans the environment using cameras and thermal sensors. Potential targets are highlighted, and operators verify hiker locations with real-time maps and mission alerts.

04

Supply Delivery

Once a hiker is located, the Payload Operator releases water or emergency supplies. Operators communicate with the hiker to provide guidance and reassurance while monitoring UAV safety.

05

Mission Completion

The UAV returns to base safely. Operators review mission performance, log outcomes, and prepare for the next deployment. Insights are recorded for improving future rescue missions.

Operator & Design Details 01

Pilot

Pilot

Geo-Spatial Data

Geo-Spatial Data

Path Optimization

Situational Awareness

Situational Awareness

The Pilot interface was designed to prioritize flight safety and situational awareness. Map and camera views display essential information such as altitude, speed, weather, and mission status using perceptual grouping and contrast. Communication tools enable direct interaction with stranded hikers, while alert systems provide timely warnings for obstacles and low battery levels.

The Pilot interface was designed to prioritize flight safety and situational awareness. Map and camera views display essential information such as altitude, speed, weather, and mission status using perceptual grouping and contrast. Communication tools enable direct interaction with stranded hikers, while alert systems provide timely warnings for obstacles and low battery levels.

Operator & Design Details

Navigator

Navigator

Geo-Spatial Data

Path Optimization

Situational Awareness

The Navigator interface supports route planning and GPS monitoring through predefined and custom map views. Color-coded routes, signal strength visualization, and top-down map interactions help maintain spatial clarity and reduce memory load. The system ensures that route data is seamlessly communicated to the Pilot for accurate UAV navigation.

The Navigator interface supports route planning and GPS monitoring through predefined and custom map views. Color-coded routes, signal strength visualization, and top-down map interactions help maintain spatial clarity and reduce memory load. The system ensures that route data is seamlessly communicated to the Pilot for accurate UAV navigation.

Operator & Design Details 02

Payload Operator

Payload Operator

Precision Deployment

Aerial Assistance

Rescue Support

The Payload Operator interface focuses on managing hydration supplies, sensors, and equipment weight. Color-coded payload buttons, status indicators, and release controls support safe and intentional deployment.

The Payload Operator interface focuses on managing hydration supplies, sensors, and equipment weight. Color-coded payload buttons, status indicators, and release controls support safe and intentional deployment.

Operator & Design Details 03

CONTROLLER

Operators use a combination of keyboard, mouse, hand controllers, and voice input to interact with the system. Discrete controls allow precise actions such as route selection and payload release, while continuous controls manage volume and camera adjustments. This multimodal interaction design supports flexibility, accessibility, and hands-free operation during critical tasks.

Operators use a combination of keyboard, mouse, hand controllers, and voice input to interact with the system. Discrete controls allow precise actions such as route selection and payload release, while continuous controls manage volume and camera adjustments. This multimodal interaction design supports flexibility, accessibility, and hands-free operation during critical tasks.

CONTROLS

Microphone

Microphone

Translator

Translator

Abort Mission

Abort Mission

Obstacle Detection

Obstacle Detection

Navigate(Dial)

Navigate(Dial)

Change Display

Change Display

Take Off/Land

Take Off/Land

Zoom(Dial)

Zoom(Dial)

Human Computer Logistics

Tab 1 of 3: Auditory Alerts

Alerts notify operators of obstacles, low battery, or hiker emergencies. Audio cues are paired with visual indicators, ensuring that critical information is recognized quickly and accurately.

Hiker Interaction

Provide Supplies

Communicate

Safety

↑Situational Awareness
↓Cognitive Load
↑Coordination
↑Safety

Future Scope

Future iterations of this system could include real-world testing with rescue teams, advanced AI-based target detection, haptic feedback for spatial alerts, and support for multi-UAV coordination. These enhancements would further improve situational awareness, responsiveness, and mission efficiency in complex rescue scenarios.

Key Learnings

Designing for safety-critical, high-pressure environments requires more than clean visuals. Clear hierarchy, minimal cognitive load, and perceptually aligned interfaces are essential for effective decision-making. This project reinforced the importance of human factors, ergonomics, and automation transparency in creating immersive systems that truly support users rather than overwhelm them.

Designing for safety-critical, high-pressure environments requires more than clean visuals. Clear hierarchy, minimal cognitive load, and perceptually aligned interfaces are essential for effective decision-making. This project reinforced the importance of human factors, ergonomics, and automation transparency in creating immersive systems that truly support users rather than overwhelm them.