Case Study: U.S. Air Force Secure HUD Evaluation And Redesign | Thomas McAuley: Product Designer & Visual Strategist

CASE STUDY:

U.S. AIR FORCE

Secure

Role: Lead Product Designer

Timeline: ~6 Months

Every product design on this site, this one included, follows human-centered design and design thinking principles. While some case studies have been abbreviated, this and the Harris Center case study are more complete examples of my full process.

THE ORIGIN

This USAF project emerged from a pressing need to modernize a widely used yet outdated interface that was critical to daily operations. Recognizing the gap between legacy systems and modern user expectations, the United States Air Force engaged Webhead—a trusted long-term partner—to spearhead the transformation. During the initial Empathize phase, we conducted limited interviews with retired Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to gain foundational insights into user challenges and system pain points despite the constraints of sensitive information. Concurrently, ongoing code forensics and system reconstruction highlighted technical hurdles that framed our subsequent approach. Over a six-month period, we navigated complex security protocols and gathered sufficient, though mid-level, qualitative data to define the scope of the project.

THE PRODUCT VISION

Our vision was to transform the outdated USAF interface into a modern, intuitive system that seamlessly blends traditional symbology with contemporary design practices. In the Define phase, we synthesized insights from user interviews and historical system data to establish clear project goals: to enhance usability while retaining familiar visual cues that resonate with long-time users. Leveraging advancements in screen resolutions, computing power, and programming sophistication, our goal was to create an interface that was not only aesthetically clean and intuitive but also contextually relevant to the heritage and operational needs of the Air Force.

THE OUTCOME

The project culminated in a modernized user interface that successfully bridged the gap between legacy systems and innovative design. We produced a comprehensive 20+ page document detailing every observed opportunity for improvement from a user-centric perspective. The final product achieved high client satisfaction by balancing technical precision with intuitive design, effectively modernizing the user experience while honoring established traditions.

THE PROCESS

Empathize: We initiated the project by conducting targeted interviews with retired SMEs and reviewing existing documentation to understand user behaviors, needs, and system limitations, despite the constraints imposed by the secure nature of the project.

Define: Extensive research was undertaken to analyze similar interfaces and historical data, helping us pinpoint key areas for improvement and establish a clear project scope that addressed both technical requirements and user needs.

Ideate: Through iterative wireframing sessions, we brainstormed multiple redesign concepts. This stage allowed us to visualize potential improvements and generate innovative ideas that aligned with both legacy expectations and modern usability standards.

Prototype: Detailed prototypes were developed, including a comprehensive glossary and annotated diagrams. These served as tangible guides that illustrated the envisioned design changes and provided clear direction for subsequent development.

Test: The modernized interface underwent rigorous usability testing, with iterative feedback loops that refined design decisions. Testing ensured that the final product not only met user needs but also adhered to stringent security and accessibility protocols.

Handoff/DX: In the final phase, meticulous documentation was prepared to support a smooth design-to-development transition, ensuring that all design elements were clearly communicated and that confidentiality requirements were maintained throughout.

LEARNINGS

This project reinforced the value of a structured, human-centered design process when managing secure, large-scale projects. Key takeaways include the importance of balancing tradition with innovation, the need for thorough empathic research even under constrained conditions, and the benefits of iterative testing and documentation. These insights have informed my approach to future projects, emphasizing that careful adherence to design thinking not only resolves complex challenges but also drives lasting, user-centered improvements.