Virgin America - In-Flight Entertainment System
Challenge
Give customers complete control over their in-flight experience like never before
For the launch of their new airline in the US, Virgin America wanted to create an in-flight experience that was truly the first of its kind and that matched the brand’s identity.
I led the design of the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) product experience - creating an innovative touchscreen interface several years before the launch of the original iPhone.
Prototyping
“Zoom” Navigation Prototype
This prototype utilised a “zooming” interaction to allow users to navigate the IFE.
Users would start at the most zoomed out level, showing all possible choices.
Users could then zoom into a section (i.e. “Entertainment”) and then through the various categories to reach the content of their choice.
“Tray” Navigation Prototype
This prototype investigated the use of a “tray” device on the left side of the screen.
This device would hold all of the menu items and controls needed by a user.
The tray would minimise after the user made a selection, allowing the user to access content within the main area of the interface.
Experience Design - Wireframes
“Eat: Cart” Wireframe
I created wireframes for each interface of the IFE.
This wireframe shows the “Shopping Cart” for the area of the IFE where users could order food, while simultaneously watching an on demand movie.
Product Documentation
Interface Specification
This as example of the interface specification created for the IFE.
This specification was used by the development team as a guide for the final build of the IFE.
Launched Product
Product screen
An example of one of the interfaces from the final launched version of the IFE.
The product won numerous industry awards and was recognised by Wired and Engadget
A version of the product is still running today on Alaska Airlines planes