Tactical combat systems.
Timeline
2021 - 2024
Team
Senior Designers, Directors, Product, Technology
Role
Exploration, Facilitator, Product Design, Design Systems
NDA Disclaimer 🚧
The details shared here pertain solely to information available in the public domain. Any additional insights or advancements, particularly those related to neural networks in military command and control, are protected under strict confidentiality and national security protocols. Unauthorized disclosure of such classified information is prohibited. Thank you for respecting these boundaries.
Strategic Leap Towards Intelligent Warfare
Leading the JERIC2O program wasn't just about building another military system – it was about reimagining how modern warfare command works. With a $61M initiative in hand, we set out to revolutionize how military leaders make critical decisions in real-time.
✦ Faster Decision-Making:
We dramatically cut down the time it takes to make mission-critical decisions. Imagine reducing a process that took hours into something that happens in minutes – that's the kind of impact we delivered.
✦ Unified Command:
We built a system that lets five different military branches work together seamlessly in real-time. Think of it as creating a universal language for military operations, where everyone can communicate and coordinate instantly.
✦ Setting New Standards:
We didn't just build a product – we created new blueprints for how classified systems should work. Our UX patterns and security protocols for AI interfaces became the gold standard for future military systems.
Leadership & organization impact
Leading a classified program isn't your typical design challenge. I had the unique opportunity to build something unprecedented – a framework for how design could thrive in highly secure environments. With a team of 35 cleared personnel, we set new standards for defense design operations.
First-ever classified design systems
Created the DOD's first secure design system – think of it as a classified version of what top tech companies use. It was so effective that three other major defense programs adopted it, cutting development time by more than half while keeping everything secure.
Revolutionizing Classified Research
Cracked the code on how to conduct user research in classified environments. We found a way to test with users across six military bases while maintaining strict security – completely changing how defense projects gather user feedback.
Unifying Defense Giants
Led design teams across four major defense contractors, getting everyone to speak the same design language despite complex security requirements. The result? We shortened design-to-deployment from 6 months to just 6 weeks.
Command & Control System
JERIC2O wasn't just another defense project – it set new standards for what's possible in military command systems. Earning the Certificate to Field (CtF) proved we could blend cutting-edge design with rigorous security requirements.
We showed that great user experience and top-level security aren't mutually exclusive. By bringing together private sector innovation with military precision, we created something that made a real difference in Homeland Defense operations.
Program impact & defense innovation
Mission Planning Optimization
Transformed mission planning using AI-assisted systems, cutting planning time from 4 hours to just 45 minutes. Picture military leaders responding to threats almost instantly across 12 global theaters – that's the speed we delivered.
Global Command Operations
Built something unprecedented: a system letting coalition forces share critical information while keeping different security clearance levels intact. Think of it as creating secure bridges between previously isolated command centers across the globe.
Military UX Research Standards
Rewrote the rulebook on military UX research. We found a way to get rapid feedback from active-duty personnel while maintaining the highest security standards. What used to take months now happens in weeks, all while keeping classified information secure.
JERIC2O isn't just a finished project – it's a living system that keeps evolving. Every two weeks, we roll out new capabilities that keep pace with modern military needs. It's like having a continuously learning system that gets smarter and more capable with each update.
We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible with intelligent interfaces in defense. By keeping our team's innovative spirit strong and collaboration tight, we're making sure tomorrow's military technology matches the speed of tomorrow's challenges.
Key Learnings
Leading JERIC2O wasn't just about building a military system – it was about rethinking how operators interact with critical data. We faced three main challenges:
✦ Making complex data instantly understandable
✦ Adapting to rapidly changing military needs
✦ Aligning multiple high-level stakeholders
Our approach to these challenges revolutionized how military operators interact with critical data. We created an intuitive layered system that cut mental load by 20%, allowing operators to navigate complex information as easily as reading a tactical map – showing exactly what they need when they need it, with deeper intelligence just a click away.
To match the rapid pace of military evolution, we built flexibility into our system's DNA. Our modular design approach meant we could quickly adapt to changing requirements without disrupting operations, ensuring our system evolved as quickly as military needs.
Stakeholder alignment was crucial to our success. Through weekly strategic syncs, we maintained clear lines of communication and built trust across all levels. Like a well-orchestrated mission, this kept everyone confident in their role and our shared objectives.
Proactive Alignment
Regular check-ins aren't just meetings – they're opportunities to build trust and maintain momentum. Clear communication keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
Clarity in Complexity
Information should unfold naturally, like peeling an onion. Each layer reveals just enough detail without overwhelming the user.
Adaptability to Change
Design for tomorrow, not just today. Our modular approach means we can quickly adapt to new challenges without starting over.
These principles aren't just lessons learned – they've become our blueprint for success. Like a well-crafted military strategy, they guide how we tackle new challenges across all our projects.
