NIFTI
Defence Innovations
NIFTI is a Non-Intrusive Flight Test Instrument system that is the result of close collaboration between the RAAF Air Warfare Centre (AWC), Defence Innovations (DI) and Defence Science and Technology Group (DST-Group).NIFTI is a compact, rapidly configurable, wireless instrumentation system specifically used for flight testing aircraft. Comprising a modular data acquisition Gateway, multiple wireless Sensor Nodes and an iPad mini based user interface app, the system replaces a cumbersome and expensive hard wired alternative.
Engineering
Industrial Design
User Experience
User Interface Design
Prototyping
Branding
Graphic Design
Production Implementation
Visualisation
Packaging
Industrial Design & Engineering
NIFTI comprises a modular data acquisition Gateway, multiple wireless Sensor Nodes and their companion charger units and an iPad mini based user interface app. The system replaces a cumbersome and expensive hard wired alternative.
Each of these elements required a slightly different design approach. The Gateway was a highly technical, mechanically challenging CNC machined housing requiring premium finishes and exacting precision. The Sensors and Chargers were more traditional plastic injection moulded housings designed to survive the rigours of supersonic flight, whilst the App development involved deep user research, prototyping and testing of wireframed concepts before the final UI was skinned.
User Experience & User Interface Design
Katapult’s challenge in designing the NIFTI iPad mini App was to bring together the complex user requirements of the the system’s 3 main stakeholders – the Design Engineers, the Aircraft Technicians and the Aircrew – to create a seamless UX that was technically capable, yet intuitive and clear in it’s operation.
We researched their needs, designed wireframes & tested mockups and then created a striking set of graphic skins to bring the system to life. The resultant user interface design helps control the entire process of aircraft testing from design & specification, through aircraft fitout to real time data collection and visualisation during the test flights.
Branding
Katapult developed the brand identity for NIFTI to complement the technical and premium product aesthetic. The carefully crafted logo and word mark were specifically designed to have impact across a range of different media including digital, print and even on the product itself. Detailed brand guidelines were created to manage the correct use of logos and ensure brand consistency.
