Aviation Systems and Human Factors Intern
May 2024 - August 2024, Olathe, Kansas
At Garmin, I contributed to the development of the next-generation Garmin Integrated Flight Deck (GIFD) systems by enhancing user experience across weather technologies and flight planning tools. My work focused on improving pilot interaction with complex weather data, optimizing usability within Garmin’s electronic flight bag application, Garmin Pilot, and supporting regulatory compliance through detailed system testing and analysis.
Check out the video below to see the latest GIFD system I had the opportunity to work on in action!
Storm Track Visualization Enhancement – Garmin Integrated Flight Deck
During my summer at Garmin, my primary project focused on improving how storm track information is presented across various generations of Garmin Integrated Flight Decks (GIFD). Storm tracks are essential tools that help pilots assess a storm’s current location and forecasted path—critical for making safe, strategic in-flight decisions.
Through user interface evaluations and Human Factors analysis, I identified that the existing storm track icon (see below) was insufficient in conveying key information. The visual lacked clarity and predictability, limiting a pilot’s ability to interpret storm movement quickly and accurately.
To address this, I proposed and helped implement a redesigned storm track icon, based on the more intuitive version already in use on Garmin Pilot (see comparison below). The new design displays projected storm positions at 15-minute intervals, extending up to 60 minutes, giving pilots a clearer, time-based visual reference for storm progression.
This updated interface significantly improved situational awareness and enabled better in-flight decision-making, especially during adverse weather conditions. Feedback from internal pilot reviews indicated increased usability, faster comprehension, and greater confidence in storm avoidance planning.
System Bench and Requirements Testing
During my time at Garmin, I worked closely on the development of the G3000 Prime, which was still undergoing refinement and performance validation. As part of the Human Factors and UX team, I was responsible for executing detailed system evaluations based on assigned use cases. These evaluations involved testing the system’s functionality against Garmin’s internal guidelines, FAA regulatory standards, and customer-specific requirements to ensure the system not only met but exceeded expectations.
Beyond validation, I was also given the opportunity to write original system requirements—an experience that significantly deepened my understanding of the FAA certification process. This involved researching regulatory language, analyzing certification protocols, and learning how to craft effective, testable requirements that align with aviation industry standards.
This project also gave me a new appreciation for the depth of detail and intention behind every design decision. Every color serves a purpose, every icon is carefully crafted, and even the representation of airports is tailored for clarity and ease of use in high-stakes environments. I found it fascinating that in the cockpit, every single pixel has to earn its place—there’s no room for guesswork when it comes to pilot usability.
Customer Specific Customization
One of my favorite projects during my internship at Garmin involved directly supporting customers by helping resolve configuration challenges within their systems. In one particularly interesting case, I collaborated with a company operating aircraft capable of both vertical flight—like a helicopter—and horizontal flight, like a traditional airplane.
During their vertical landing operations, pilots needed enhanced visibility on the Primary Flight Display (PFD) to maintain situational awareness. After evaluating their specific needs, we developed a configuration setting that temporarily restricted the compass display, allowing more vertical screen space for the artificial horizon. This adjustment significantly improved visibility during critical phases of vertical flight, enhancing both usability and safety.
The images below represent a similar model of the customized solution we delivered.