The Back Story
At Inmarsat, a pioneering British company that deploys satellites for global maritime and aviation communication, my journey began with a challenge. The division I joined had never employed a UX designer. Their instinct was to hire another developer, and my first task was to convince them otherwise. My recruiter arranged meetings with senior management, where I made the case for UX as a sound business decision—a way to create intuitive, user-centered solutions that would benefit their bottom line. Despite initial skepticism, my arguments resonated, and I was offered the full-time role.
Meeting the Challenge
When I arrived, Inmarsat was in the midst of launching a new constellation of advanced satellites. The mission-critical software I was tasked with designing needed to support intricate applications for satellite communication and navigation. These tools were technically complex, requiring close collaboration with developers and project managers, including a remote team in Norway. My background in UI development proved invaluable as I bridged the gap between design and engineering, ensuring that user needs stayed front and center.
Stay Flexible
One of the most demanding aspects of this project was its dynamic nature. The software was still under development, and as engineering challenges arose, project requirements shifted. My designs had to evolve in tandem. This experience underscored for me the iterative nature of design—how it rarely unfolds in a straight line and demands flexibility to adapt to new realities. Agile principles guided my process, helping me navigate constant change while maintaining focus on the end user.
Prototypes Take Center Stage
A key highlight of my time at Inmarsat was leveraging my ability to code fully interactive, web-based prototypes. These prototypes went beyond static mockups, providing live, hands-on tools that allowed stakeholders to experience the designs as if they were the final product. This approach not only streamlined feedback but also demonstrated the tangible value of UX in the development process.
No More Skeptics
By the end of the project, the success of these prototypes and the overall design process helped cement UX as a critical priority for the software development team. My work not only contributed to the launch of cutting-edge satellite technologies but also laid the foundation for a more user-focused culture at Inmarsat.
