SAR-Swarm

By Silje Kristine Nohr Larsen

User Interface Design For Remote Operation of Drone Swarms in Search and Rescue.

Bildet kan inneholde: kart, skjermbilde, teknologi, programvare.

Dual-screen UI: Left screen shows control panel, map, units, and detections; right screen displays video feeds and sensor data.

Project type
Diploma project
Programme
Design
Fields of expertise
Interaction design
Year
2025

Supervisor:

Synne Frydenberg

This project explores how interaction design can support operators in managing complex information when remotely controlling drone swarms during search and rescue (SAR) operations.

Drone swarm technology is advancing quickly, but there are still no clear standards for how user interfaces should support remote operation in high-stakes environments.

This project takes an explorative approach to understand how interface design can better meet the needs of operators in search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The goal is to support the operator at the remote station by presenting critical information in a clear and flexible way. The interface is built in layers, allowing the operator to control how much information is shown depending on the situation, reducing cognitive load and supporting quicker, more confident decisions.

The result is a two-screen interface designed for the search phase of SAR operations. The main screen shows the map, units, detections, and controls, while the second screen provides detailed information like video feeds. Thirteen key UI elements are organized in layers that can be turned on or off, giving the operator full control and supporting situational awareness.

The project addresses two central challenges: maintaining situational awareness and managing cognitive workload. When balanced, these help the operator stay focused and make better decisions under pressure.


Contact

Portrettbilde

Silje Kristine Nohr Larsen / nohrsilje@gmail.com / LinkedIn

Published June 18, 2025 9:31 AM