Marine Rescue Seahawk App

Seahawk is a comprehensive messaging system designed to streamline communications across 48 bases. The project focused on designing an intuitive, desktop-based web application that prioritizes critical messages, simplifies user management, and enhances overall operational efficiency for MR’s internal team, while ensuring accessibility for an older user demographic.

Client:
Marine Rescue NSW
Category:
UX/UI Design
My Role:
Lead UX/UI Designer
      Project Overview

The existing communication processes at MR were fragmented, with no dedicated web application to manage messaging efficiently. Seahawk aimed to centralize messaging for callouts, announcements, marketing, and operational alerts, while prioritising critical updates such as vessel positions, overdue vessel statuses, and emergency protocols.

The target users, aged 40+, required a system that was intuitive, accessible, and easy to adopt, necessitating training sessions to support adoption. User research, including interviews, competitor analysis, and observation sessions, was conducted to understand navigation habits, pain points, and workflow preferences. This research informed the system architecture, ensuring the application met user needs while supporting MR’s operational priorities.

      Project Approach

A user-centric and iterative design process was applied:

  • Mapped micro user flows to communicate functionality and benefits to MR leadership
  • Developed an intuitive information architecture prioritising essential features such as SMS sending, template creation, trip monitoring, SKED alerts, and emergency protocols
  • Created sketches, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs in Figma, applying a cohesive visual language aligned with MRNSW brand identity
  • Built a design library to ensure consistency across components and streamline collaboration with developers
  • Implemented accessibility features, including keyboard navigation, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast modes
  • Conducted iterative user testing post-launch to gather feedback and refine usability, workflow efficiency, and overall experience
      Project OUTCOME

The final Seahawk system:

  • Delivered a robust desktop messaging platform tailored to the operational needs of 48 bases
  • Streamlined management of critical and non-critical messages with tiered access and user group features
  • Provided an accessible and intuitive experience for older users
  • Enabled effective communication planning through scheduled messages and standardised templates
  • Established a scalable and maintainable design system for ongoing updates and iterative improvements
      Project OUTCOME

The final Seahawk system:

  • Delivered a robust desktop messaging platform tailored to the operational needs of 48 bases
  • Streamlined management of critical and non-critical messages with tiered access and user group features
  • Provided an accessible and intuitive experience for older users
  • Enabled effective communication planning through scheduled messages and standardised templates
  • Established a scalable and maintainable design system for ongoing updates and iterative improvements