Skyward Aircraft setup

Connecting Aircraft to the Skyward Ecosystem

I designed the end-to-end experience for adding a new drone to Skyward. The flow links the aircraft’s serial number to the user’s account, automatically captures flights for FAA-ready logs, and enables LTE as a backup connection for safer, longer missions.

User Value

  • Time back: Guided setup with serial auto-linking and checks reduces tedious account and device configuration.

  • Built-in compliance: Flights are tracked and organized into FAA-ready logs to simplify annual reporting.

  • Safer, farther flights: LTE provides a resilient backup to the controller link, improving reliability and range.

  • Clarity under stress: Real-time diagnostics flag issues like weak cellular, low batteries, or pairing gaps, with clear next steps.

Business Value

  • Higher activation & adoption: Frictionless onboarding increases connected aircraft per account and lowers drop-off.

  • Retention & stickiness: Automated logging and reporting keep teams returning throughout the year.

  • New revenue pathways: LTE activation and usage create attach opportunities and plan upgrades.

  • Lower support costs: Self-serve troubleshooting and edge-case coverage reduce setup-related tickets.

  • Risk reduction: Consistent data capture and standardized flows minimize compliance and operational risk.

Things can go wrong

  • Limited cellular connection

  • Low battery on the controller or drone or phone

  • Un-paired controller to drone

I mapped every edge case into a “choose your own adventure” prototype so engineering and QA had a single source of truth for desired behavior and recovery paths.

Back to Projects
Message me