Skycast Solutions turned to Ratio to replace their dated and aging DigEplayer device for Alaska Airlines. Working with Microsoft, we created a tablet experience to drive on-demand movies, television shows, music, magazines, and games to provide a first in class entertainment experience.

I was picked to lead the creative direction of the product, which replaced the existing in-flight devices with custom applications on a Windows tablet. I managed a team of designers responsible for creating initial creative explorations, wireframes, site maps, and comps. I worked closely with the client and partners to present work, manage expectations, and address any client concerns. 

In addition, I led the agency's first-ever user testing initiative. Spread over two days at the Alaska Airlines' first-class airport lounge and corporate offices, I led a usability test using a prototype of the proprietary Alaska-branded apps as well as the Windows 8 device that will be used in the final product. I then presented those results to the client with customer feedback, test results, and recommendations for improvement. 

Skycast Solutions turned to Ratio to replace their dated and aging DigEplayer device for Alaska Airlines. Working with Microsoft, we created a tablet experience to drive on-demand movies, television shows, music, magazines, and games to provide a first in class entertainment experience.

I was picked to lead the creative direction of the product, which replaced the existing in-flight devices with custom applications on a Windows tablet. I managed a team of designers responsible for creating initial creative explorations, wireframes, site maps, and comps. I worked closely with the client and partners to present work, manage expectations, and address any client concerns. 

In addition, I led the agency's first-ever user testing initiative. Spread over two days at the Alaska Airlines' first-class airport lounge and corporate offices, I led a usability test using a prototype of the proprietary Alaska-branded apps as well as the Windows 8 device that will be used in the final product. I then presented those results to the client with customer feedback, test results, and recommendations for improvement. 

• Optimize user experience for battery life and cabin environment
• Utilize benefits of Windows 8 experience, while minimizing limitations of the OS for guests
• Provide for easy access to movies, television series, games, magazines, music and in-flight connection experiences (in-flight WiFi)
• The experience needed to be customizable to support future airline brands

• Optimize user experience for battery life and cabin environment
• Utilize benefits of Windows 8 experience, while minimizing limitations of the OS for guests
• Provide for easy access to movies, television series, games, magazines, music and in-flight connection experiences (in-flight WiFi)
• The experience needed to be customizable to support future airline brands

FRAMEWORK

FRAMEWORK

The overall challenge with this project was to combine the power and versatility of Windows 8 with the ease, usability, and luxurious feel that Alaska’s guests have come to expect with the airline. In addition, we were working with hardware that was unfamiliar to Alaska’s guests, as well as building bespoke Windows apps that could sit alongside stock Windows apps without causing any confusion for Alaska’s guests. 

Early research showed that Alaska’s guests were largely iOS and Android users. While they were familiar with Windows, they were largely unfamiliar with Windows 8 and its features.

Because guests would be using stock Windows apps in addition to our own, we decided to stay fairly loyal to the Windows design ethos, while adding a couple of tweaks to ease discoverability and usability.

The overall challenge with this project was to combine the power and versatility of Windows 8 with the ease, usability, and luxurious feel that Alaska’s guests have come to expect with the airline. In addition, we were working with hardware that was unfamiliar to Alaska’s guests, as well as building bespoke Windows apps that could sit alongside stock Windows apps without causing any confusion for Alaska’s guests. 

Early research showed that Alaska’s guests were largely iOS and Android users. While they were familiar with Windows, they were largely unfamiliar with Windows 8 and its features.

Because guests would be using stock Windows apps in addition to our own, we decided to stay fairly loyal to the Windows design ethos, while adding a couple of tweaks to ease discoverability and usability.

I wanted the overall interface to be darker, as these would be used in the darker environments of airline cabins. We combined that dark background with Alaska’s brand colors. We used the Windows standard Segoe font, as it provides clear readability and ties the entire experience together.
 

I wanted the overall interface to be darker, as these would be used in the darker environments of airline cabins. We combined that dark background with Alaska’s brand colors. We used the Windows standard Segoe font, as it provides clear readability and ties the entire experience together.
 

The device launched on Alaska flights in early February of 2015. 7,000 devices launched simultaneously on cross-country flights. To date, feedback from customers and flight attendants has been unanimously positive.

The device launched on Alaska flights in early February of 2015. 7,000 devices launched simultaneously on cross-country flights. To date, feedback from customers and flight attendants has been unanimously positive.