User-centered Design of Unmanned Aerial System Ground Control Station Interface for Multi-Vehicle Operations

As the prevalence of multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations increases, in parallel with increasing operational complexity, there is a need for ground control station (GCS) interfaces to effectively support operators in simultaneously managing multiple vehicles. To address this need, we conducted a user-centered design process to develop and evaluate interface design concepts for NASA’s MPATH (Measuring Performance for Autonomy Teaming with Humans) GCS, specifically for multi-vehicle research flights at NASA’s Langley Research Center. The design process included conducting a user needs analysis and performing iterative design, prototyping, and user testing with GCS operators. The project culminated in recommended interface concepts aimed to improve the overall usability, functionality, and operational efficiency of the MPATH GCS interface for multi-vehicle operations. This paper presents the user-centered design and evaluation approach, lessons learned throughout the process, the final design concept and associated design recommendations, and practical implications for both multi-vehicle GCS designs and for conducting user-centered design and evaluations in general.