Sensor & Effector Management for Holistic C2

The Numerica MIMIR project designed command-and-control and sensor management interfaces for a distributed tracking and sensor fusion platform, with a specialized deployment for the Russia-Ukraine conflict theater called FrankenSAM. The core challenge was normalizing heterogeneous sensor and effector data across a system that needed to generalize to radically different hardware configurations — while maintaining macro situational awareness and supporting precision targeting. Over 6 months at Visual Logic, I designed flexible component systems, 9 custom kinematic SVGs, and progressive disclosure patterns for both novice and expert military operators. The design earned approval from the client, prime contractor, and user testing, with a modular architecture enabling à la carte feature sales.

This was a 6-month engagement for Numerica Corporation, sourced through Visual Logic, where I served as Product Designer alongside one additional designer, a PO, and a PM. The platform was a desktop web application. Deliverables included UI designs and 9 custom kinematic SVGs for real-time sensor visualization. Visuals are shown with permission; sensitive system details are omitted.

The primary challenge was normalizing disparate sensor and effector data across a system that needed to generalize to many different hardware configurations.

Military personnel needed to simultaneously manage heterogeneous sensors — each with different data structures, update rates, and operational parameters — while maintaining macro situational awareness and executing precision targeting operations.

• Generalization — Building adaptable systems capable of managing diverse sensors and effectors across configurations
• Customization — Enabling extensive user control over workspace configuration without overwhelming complexity
• Data Density — Representing large volumes of heterogeneous sensor data in a comprehensible form
• Consistency — Establishing reusable components for uniform user experiences across subsystems
• Expanding Scope — Accommodating evolving project requirements under time constraints
• SVG Complexity — Managing technical challenges with SVG asset preparation and deployment for kinematic visualization

Development centered on existing features. Initial phases involved examining operator requirements and current capabilities, followed by systematic refinement.

UX Activities:

• Research — Examined current tools and workflows to pinpoint pain points
• Data Accounting — Mapped information structure and flow across sensor types
• Information Architecture — Organized and prioritized data from documentation and stakeholder feedback
• Design Framework — Established cohesive, flexible component systems
• Visual Design — Designed subsystems including asset panels, engagement controls, map interfaces, and camera controls
• Macro and Micro Interactions — Defined navigation patterns and widget behaviors
• Standardized Widgets — Created matrix for reusable UI elements
• Collaboration — Weekly engagement with subject matter experts and technical teams
• Kinematic SVG Development — Delivered 9 custom SVGs for kinematic visualization
• UX Consulting — Advocated for simplicity through distilled complex requirements

A nested system of systems capable of expanding flexibly. Given tight timelines and extensive scope, the team iterated extensively based on stakeholder and SME input.

Key capabilities designed:

• Designed for Generalization — Flexible tools accommodating diverse sensors and effectors, enabling the platform to adapt to new hardware without redesign
• Visualized Complex Data — Custom visualizations for heavy sensor data loads, including 9 kinematic SVGs
• Balanced User Levels — Progressive disclosure addressing both novice and expert operator needs
• Enhanced User Customization — Workspace configuration for operator efficiency
• Developed Modular Components — Tools enabling à la carte feature sales and custom theming for different client deployments

This challenging, rapid-paced, feature-rich project was well received by the client, prime contractor, and validated through user testing. The design provides a scalable framework for future development.

The modular architecture proved particularly valuable — enabling Numerica to sell the platform in configurable packages and apply custom theming for different defense customers.