INDRAJAAL
Designing the Future of Counter-Drone Technology
Client
Indrajaal Defense Pvt Ltd
Website
www.indrajaal.in
Markets
India, MENA
About Indrajaal
Indrajaal is a multi-faceted counter-drone system designed to safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive areas from unauthorized drones. This autonomous drone security solution leverages advanced technologies to effectively detect, track, and neutralize drones of various classes.
Services
User research • Domain Research • Solutioning • Interaction Design & Information Architecture • Interface Design & Design Systems • Marcom Services • Visual Communication Design Development Support
Invendes was entrusted with the task of designing a command and control application for operating this state-of-the-art real-time counter-drone defense system, specifically engineered for deployment in mission-critical installations.
The Challenges
This application, entrusted to our team, was not merely business-critical but mission-critical. The response time in a scenario such as a drone swarm attack is measured in seconds. Moreover, accommodating numerous personas, hierarchies, roles, and application views across different devices presented formidable challenges.
EXTREME USABILITY IN DESIGN
The interface had to prioritize ease of use to facilitate swift decision-making in high-pressure situations.
DEVICE
AGNOSTICISM
Ensuring seamless operation across various devices was paramount to maintain operational continuity.
ZERO
TOLERANCE
TO BUGS
Any bugs or glitches could have dire consequences, mandating rigorous testing and quality assurance protocols.
VERSATILE COUNTER MEASURES
The system had to support a range of countermeasures to effectively neutralize diverse drone threats.
Command Table
The nerve center of Indrajaal is the command table, a 65-inch multi-touch masterpiece designed for intuitive operation. Operators can interact with the system from various angles, ensuring optimal situational awareness. Additionally, programmable “tangible objects” provide tactile control over key functions, further streamlining decision-making in critical moments.
Reaction Time
From Detection to Neutralization, Every Second Counts. Indrajaal’s lightning-fast response is its defining feature. The application streamlines the process, achieving Identification to Neutralization in Under 5 Seconds.
Invendes' mission: to design a cross-device application for operating the Indrajaal counter-drone dome. This application wasn't just software; it was a shield, protecting critical infrastructure from ever-evolving threats.
Persona Profiling
Traditional persona profiling methods wouldn’t suffice. We needed to understand users not just as individuals, but as integral parts of a dynamic team operating in high-pressure situations. So, we developed a scenario-based profiling approach, immersing ourselves in the context and challenges faced by each role.
Personas & Roles
In accordance with established command structure, each persona operated within rigidly delineated roles determined by rank and position. Role management was amplified to enforce operational discipline and maintain hierarchical integrity. Functional capabilities and access points were dynamically authorized or restricted as required.
Senior
Commander
Role: Oversees entire anti-drone operation.
Key Tasks
- Make final decisions based on intel.
- Allocate resources.
- Direct tactical operations.
Operations
Officer
Key Tasks
- Plan counter-drone maneuvers.
- Execute orders from the Commander.
- Coordinate with other units.
Intel
Analyst
Role: Handles intelligence data and risk assessment.
Key Tasks
- Analyze drone flight patterns.
- Assess threats.
- Provide recommendations to the Operations Officer and Commander.
Drone
Pilots
Role: Operates friendly drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, or active counter-measures.
Key Tasks
- Operates friendly drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, or countermeasures
- Conducts pre-flight checks and post-mission reports
Sensor
Operator
Role: Manages the equipment that detects drone activity.
Key Tasks
- Monitor radar and other sensors.
- Report any drone activity.
- Maintain sensor equipment.
Drone Interceptor
Operator
Role: Pilots or controls the counter-drone technology. (e.g., interceptor drones, jamming systems).
Key Tasks
- Engage hostile drones.
- Report back on mission status.
- Manage counter-drone equipment.
Field
Operator
Role: Frontline personnel tasked with physical counter-measures.
Key Tasks
- Deploy anti-drone equipment.
- Secure the area.
- Carry out instructions from the Operations Officer.
System
Administrator
Role: Ensures the software and hardware are functioning optimally.
Key Tasks
- Troubleshoot issues.
- Update software.
- Ensure cybersecurity protocols are followed.
Senior Commander
Role: Oversees entire anti-drone operation.
Key Tasks
- Make final decisions based on intel.
- Allocate resources.
- Direct tactical operations.
Operations Officer
Role: Manages the tactical aspect of counter-drone activities.
Key Tasks
- Plan counter-drone maneuvers.
- Execute orders from Commander.
- Coordinate with other units.
Intel Analyst
Role: Handles intelligence data and risk assessment.
Key Tasks
- Analyze drone flight patterns.
- Assess threats.
- Provide recommendations to Operations Officer and Commander.
Drone Pilots
Role: Operates friendly drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, or active counter-measures.
Key Tasks
- Operates friendly drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, or countermeasures
- Conducts pre-flight checks and post-mission reports
Sensor Operator
Role: Manages the equipment that detects drone activity.
Key Tasks
- Monitor radar and other sensors.
- Report any drone activity.
- Maintain sensor equipment.
Drone Interceptor Operator
Role: Pilots or controls the counter-drone technology. (e.g., interceptor drones, jamming systems).
Key Tasks
Engage hostile drones.
- Report back on mission status.
- Manage counter-drone equipment.
Field Operator
Role: Pilots or controls the counter-drone technology. (e.g., interceptor drones, jamming systems).
Key Tasks
Engage hostile drones.
- Deploy anti-drone equipment.
- Secure the area.
- Carry out instructions from Operations Officer.
SystemAdministrator
Role: Ensures the software and hardware are functioning optimally.
Key Tasks
Engage hostile drones.
- Troubleshoot issues.
- Update software.
- Ensure cybersecurity protocols are followed.
INTERFACE
DESIGN
The foundation of our design strategy was understanding the diverse contexts and user roles interacting with Indrajaal. We conducted in-depth scenario analysis, mapping user needs and actions within critical situations. This allowed us to create a modular interface architecture that could adapt to different devices and situations while maintaining consistency and efficiency.
The Power of Touch: Adapting for iPad
The iPad offered the convenience of mobility when compared to the command table and could be used in field ops. We leveraged the multi-touch capabilities to design an interface that felt natural and intuitive. Key features like threat visualization, countermeasure selection, and communication functions were placed within easy reach, ensuring operators could make quick decisions with minimal cognitive strain.
Phone
Maximizing Efficiency on the Phone’s Small Screen:
While the phone screen presented a space constraint, we prioritized essential functionalities for on-the-go situational awareness and basic actions. Information hierarchy and visual cues were carefully implemented to guide users to critical data points quickly.
Command
Table
Tangible
Object Nav
Beyond Screens – Tangible Control:
The command table extends the interface beyond the digital realm, incorporating tangible objects for intuitive and tactile interaction. Programmable objects like joysticks and dials provide direct control over countermeasures, reducing reliance on touchscreens in high-stress scenarios
Tangible Object Controls
Physical objects on the command table represent specific actions or functions, allowing for tactile control and faster response times.
Customizable based on user preferences and mission needs.
Iconography
Radar - Sensor
Electro Optic - Sensor
1ESM - Sensor
Camera - Sensor
20 fighter Jet
21 Transport aircraft
22 Helicopter
23 Bird
Urban - Building
Rural - Building
Government - Building
Private - Building
Aerial Vehicle - Machine
Land Vehicle - Machine
Sub Terrain Vehicle - Machine
Drone - Machine
Jammer - Weapon
13 Laser - Weapon
14 Kinetic Weapon - Weapon
15 Counter Drone - Weapon
Drone Type 1
Drone Type 2
Drone Type 1
Drone Type 1
Urban - Building
Radar - Sensor
Aerial Vehicle - Machine
Rural - Building
Electro Optic - Sensor
Land Vehicle - Machine
Government - Building
1ESM - Sensor
Sub Terrain Vehicle - Machine
Private - Building
Camera - Sensor
Drone - Machine
Jammer - Weapon
20 fighter Jet
Drone Type 1
13 Laser - Weapon
21 Transport aircraft
Drone Type 2
14 Kinetic Weapon - Weapon
22 Helicopter
Drone Type 1
15 Counter Drone - Weapon
23 Bird
Drone Type 1
Tracking & Engaging
The application provided intuitive tools for:
Drone Detection & Tracking: Utilizing advanced algorithms and sensor data to precisely identify, track, and classify drones in real-time.
Threat Assessment: Analyzing drone behavior, potential targets, and weather conditions to predict actions and prioritize threats.
Countermeasure Selection: Offering a range of options based on the threat level and situation, including jamming, laser interception, kinetic takedowns, or combined approaches.
Mission Execution: Providing clear instructions and visual aids to guide operators in deploying countermeasures effectively.
Alert Systems
A robust and multi-layered alert system ensured operators were notified of critical events immediately:
Visual & Audible Alerts: High-visibility notifications and distinct sounds to grab attention instantly.
Priority Levels: Categorized alerts based on severity, guiding operators to the most pressing threat.
Customizable settings: Allows users to personalize alert sounds and preferences based on their roles and needs.
Escalation protocols: Triggers automatic actions (e.g., notifications to higher command) for critical events.
Branding & Marcom
Primary Logo
Logo Color Usage
Full Color
Full Color Reverse
Logomark Reverse
Logomark
Color Palette
01
Primary
HEX
RGB
CMYK
#0C213F
12,33,63
100,84,42,57
02
Secondary
HEX
RGB
CMYK
#475F82
71,95,130
85,61,29,9
03
Teriary
HEX
RGB
CMYK
#ACB5C5
171,181,197
34,22,13,0
04
Quaternary
HEX
RGB
CMYK
#F3F5F9
243,245,249
3,2,1,0
Typography
Aa
Roboto Condensed
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890!@#$%^&*()-+=~<>?
Aa
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyz
1234567890
Roboto Condensed
Light
Aa
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyz
1234567890
Roboto Condensed
Regular
Aa
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyz
1234567890
Roboto Condensed
Medium
Aa
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwyz
1234567890
Roboto Condensed
Semibold
Container
Jackets
Canvas Hat
Neck buff
Jackets
Corporate Branding
Employee Kit
Marketing Communication
Event Branding
Barrier
Billboard
Flags
Display and Podiums
Display and Podiums
Standees
Drone Pad
Tent Design
TO CONCLUDE
Indrajaal wasn’t just a project; it was a responsibility. We understood the gravity of safeguarding lives and critical infrastructure. This project pushed us to innovate, adapt, and deliver a solution that met the demands of this high-stakes undertaking.
