Designing solutions for private jet owners

During my time as a UX/UI Designer in the Digital Innovation Office (DIO), I had the privilege of being part of a team that was at the forefront of creating innovative digital products for Bombardier Aviation customers. Our team was dedicated to crafting cutting-edge solutions that were not only user-friendly but also visually compelling, and I was thrilled to play a role in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.

Working closely with another Product Design Lead, I had the unique opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and contribute to the development and design of innovative UI solutions. It was an experience that not only sharpened my skills but also deepened my understanding of what it takes to create meaningful, user-centred designs in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Conduct user research and analysis to gain insights into customer needs, preferences, and behaviours.
Participate in the design and development of digital products, including creating wireframes, mockups, and prototypes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and technical requirements.
Stay up-to-date with industry best practices in UX/UI design, and apply this knowledge to improve the design and functionality of digital products.

Duties

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sorry this work is under NDA *

As the only designer for a project in its early stages, I was fortunate to gain a deep understanding of the product life cycle and establish the UI direction, potential features, and goals for the project over the course of a couple of months.

Contributions

Unlocking the Secrets of the Skies

Private jet owners are a notoriously elusive group, shrouded in privacy and often inaccessible for direct insights. This made understanding their needs a unique challenge—one that required a bit of creative problem-solving. Instead of relying on traditional user interviews, I proposed exploring alternative ways to gather valuable insights. We turned to those who interacted with these high-fliers regularly—pilots, flight attendants, and even executive assistants within our own company. By tapping into the experiences of those who knew the users best, we were able to piece together a clearer picture of what truly mattered to our exclusive audience, ensuring our designs were both intuitive and impactful.

Mentoring the Next Gen of Designers

During my time, as I settled into my role and gained experience, I had the opportunity to mentor new interns who joined each season. My role evolved from learner to guide, helping them bridge the gap between UX theory and real-world application. I shared insights on how to transform theoretical concepts into practical solutions, showing them how to navigate the complexities of actual projects. This experience not only allowed me to give back but also deepened my own understanding of the field, as teaching others reinforced my knowledge and skills.

Takeaways

During my UX/UI design internship at Bombardier, these lessons have impacted the way I approach my design practice.

Start early, fail early

As new requirements or unexpected changes can arise at any moment, waiting for the perfect idea to strike is not always an option in the non- linear design process. Iteration is crucial in the design process as it allows for improvements and refinements that ultimately result in better products. In some cases, designing the wrong thing can actually be a stepping stone towards designing the right solution.

Feedback is key

Thorough research and testing is critical as not all users will share the same level of technical literacy or context as myself. Feedback is essential for making progress as it provides valuable insights into what is working well, what needs improvement, and validates design decisions to ensure that the final product meets the needs and expectations of the target audience.

Strike a balance

Striking a balance between the needs and wants of a project while juggling feedback from development and business teams that have in mind different priorities and ideas can be challenging. Features that are not feasible may need to be rethought, and compromises may need to be made to work within time, budget, and feasibility constraints.

If you’d like to learn more about my work and experiences at Bombardier, please contact me!

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