my role
This contract spanned 3 years and I was responsible for the design and implementation of the interface and visual experiences across both the Courseware and Simulation programs for the CNATTU, NS Norfolk, VA classrooms.
Along with the managing a team of 10 artists, I was also respnsible for building various 3D models and creating their textures, along with the lighting and several 3D rendered environments.
the development roadmap
In the defense industry, projects are often under-bid by both the timeframe and by the financial compensation required to complete the project successfully. This project was no different, but yet it was unique.
It was extremely rare for a project to change course once the bidding war was over and the terms agreed upon. But in the case of our new HITS-M project, the challenge that original schedule produced was far too great of a risk not to reevaluate.
The original contract stated that we were to use a Waterfall development process that would put us about 6 months past the original deadline and would have us miss several milestones along the way. I proposed a development process that would blend Waterfall with Agile and would put us back within schedule. Armed with the quantitative data and the steadfast trust he had our team our fearless Program Manager successfully argued the terms rebid the contract. We delivered 3 months earlier than expected.
the look & feel
Since this was a three year project and the government isn't too keen on change, the interface needed to hold up over time.
And it did; The UI design was so successful that it was also chosen to be used by other Naval Training Curriculum such as the Northrop Grumman's Triton (UAS) program.