Playbook Logo

Mobile tablet application that allows Soldiers to custom build tactical scenarios with animations

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Playbook is an Android tablet application that allows soldiers to share observations, insights, and lessons learned from the field. Capturing details and small unit knowledge that are often overlooked in general after action reviews. Much like a playbook for basketball or football, Playbook allows soldiers to recreate a scenario or mission on a custom digital canvas with interactive elements.

A NEW START

Playbook started life as a rough prototype application created by a few backend developers. This version was focused strictly on functionality and no designer or UX personnel were assigned to the Phase I funding. The result was a functioning application that was almost impossible to use. When phase II began I was brought on board to transform and renovate the app.

With the Phase I version as a starting point and a list of new requirements, I completely overhauled the Visual, UI, and UX of the application.

Please note: For security concerns the following mockups have had select interface graphics removed and greyed out.

Wireframes Screenshot

WIREFRAMES

The Phase I applications biggest issue was the flow and navigation of pages. The navigation was a minefield of crammed icons and bad information architecture. Creating a flowchart and parting out functionality to areas with associated data was key. I eventually developed the key structure of the application Plays > Scenes > Maker. Think of it like a DVD chapter system. A Play is the movie itself (or scenario). The movie is made up of individual Scenes. Within each scene is a choreographed play which is the Scene Maker. So Playbook allows you to create individual scenes that make up a Play.

The application was originally developed to run in portrait mode. This format was not ideal for many of the actions completed within the app. By Phase III of the project, I converted the layout to landscape to accommodate actions the user takes. Switching the scene builder to a 16:9 landscape aspect ratio also allowed the scene to be formatted correctly when it was time to publish and export the play. While also allowing for better action pane and design real estate.

Wireframes Screenshot

BARRIER OF ENTRY

Working directly with developers, project managers, subject matter experts and the users themselves, the application was designed to be quick, easy, and intuitive while also being a complex tool. I wanted the app to feel native to the Android OS, so anyone using it would feel right at home and allow for easier interface comprehension. I followed the Android design guidelines document to build out the features of the app. For the third phase of development the app was updated to reflect Androids new Material Design format.

Wireframes Screenshot

The Result

Over the course of four successful development cycles I helped transform Playbook into an intuitive and powerful tablet application. Yielding additional funding and scope for each phase of development. The first devices where deployed to select military training facilities in 2016. Allowing soldiers to improve their strategic planning by sharing past, present, and future scenarios. Unfortunately, this application is not available for public download. This includes overall campaign statistics and impact.

Have a project you'd like to discuss?

Lets Talk