The Objective & Business Context
We conducted structured research sessions with active commercial and business pilots to unpack complex operational workflows, uncover core pain points, and define key functional needs.
Pilot Interview Framework & Key Insights
To determine how to deliver maximum value through the portal, we conducted qualitative interviews with commercial and business pilots using a targeted inquiry framework:
Post-Session Feedback Gaps:
- Inquiry: We investigated what data pilots currently receive after training, its format, and what critical information is missing.
- Insight: Current post-training feedback is fragmented and static. Pilots urgently want actionable, historical evaluation data rather than one-off session notes.
Pre-Training Readiness & Lead Time:
- Inquiry: We mapped pre-session delivery timelines to understand when and how pilots receive prep materials.
- Insight: Pilots receive prep materials too close to evaluation dates and lack historical context on their own past performance.
Longitudinal Performance & Review Scope:
- Inquiry: We asked if pilots review past feedback before upcoming checks, how far back they look, and which specific metrics matter most.
- Insight: Pilots actively want to review historical trends across previous sessions to spot pattern errors, target weak spots, and complete relevant e-training before recurrent checks.
Figure: Interview Matrix
Key Findings & Pilot Needs
Historically, pilots lacked access to their historical flight training evaluations, creating a major gap in skill maintenance. Through cross-rank user interviews, we discovered that airline pilots needed a centralized space to:
- Review Performance & Track Progress: Skimmable session summaries and longitudinal tracking to monitor evaluation results and personal skill development over time.
- Targeted Recurrent Prep: Access to tailored preparation materials and focus areas to review prior to upcoming recurrent training sessions.
- Continuous Skill Development: On-demand e-training modules to help address identified growth areas or proactively master new skills.
Figure: Take-Away Insights
Adaptive Dashboard Experience
We designed a tailored dashboard experience that dynamically adapts based on the pilot's simulator session outcome:
- Passed State: Greets the pilot with "Congrats! You've passed!", highlights their top 3 excelling maneuvers, and suggests optional advanced e-learning modules.
- Remediation State: Greets the pilot with "We see you need more help...", identifies specific weak areas (e.g., Recovery from Stall, Low Visibility Take-off), and directly links to recommended training courses.
Figure: Passed State
Figure: Remediation State
Figure: Maneuver Deep Dive
Final Solution
We validated the final design with both the original study participants and a new cohort of pilots, who confirmed that the adaptive dashboard and historical performance tracking would significantly enhance their training workflow. The data team also reviewed and approved the underlying data structures for implementation. While the project is currently paused due to business and budget constraints, the validated design framework stands as an approved blueprint for future pilot portal initiatives.