Tyler Choi
Masters of Science Capstone Project, June 2023
[Proposal Report Presentation]
This capstone paper investigates the development of a software solution tailored for search and rescue (SAR) operations, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of user-centered development (UCD) principles. Initially, the project aimed to create a Virtual Reality (VR) Interactive Topographical Mapping System. This phase resulted in the research and development of a sophisticated VR prototype, incorporating a comprehensive suite of features that facilitated live, interactive topographical mapping within a 3D virtual environment.
The objectives of UCD involve placing users’ needs and requirements at the forefront of the design process, ensuring that solutions not only possess technical prowess but also deliver value and impact for the target audience. However, despite the numerous technical accomplishments of the VR project, end-user feedback from stakeholders, such as forest firefighters, revealed the necessity for a solution that better aligned with their real-world requirements. These users required direct observation of ground and vegetation conditions to make informed decisions about mission trajectories, a capability unattainable with the VR application. This insight led to a pivotal shift in our approach, redirecting the project towards the development of a targeted desktop application explicitly designed to address the operational needs of Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel.
The resulting product is a desktop application accessible through both a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a Command Line Interface (CLI), with development centered on continuous end-user engagement and feedback. This solution offers two distinct interfaces catering to different end-users, prioritizing a concise UI and output while avoiding unnecessary complexity and irrelevant details.
In evaluating the implementation of UCD, the project demonstrates that adopting a user-centric approach can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of SAR operations, emphasizing users’ preference for utility over visual and graphical elements. Furthermore, the project’s evolution from a cutting-edge VR system to a specialized desktop application provides insights into the broader fields of computer science and emergency response.
In future work, this report investigates potential enhancements, illustrating a sustained commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with user requirements. The accomplishments of the VR project, despite the pivot, attest to the importance of innovation and exploration in software development. Additionally, the project underscores the vital role of UCD in crafting solutions that combine technical utility with a focus on addressing real-world challenges.