Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Louis Pandolfo, Senior Kaylee Akerlund Cassidi Ellison Sierra Martinez
Lead Presenter's Name
Louis Pandolfo
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Barbara Chaparro
Abstract
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations are specialized military missions with the goal of rescuing personnel from hostile territory, often involving helicopters and elite teams tasked with locating and stabilizing survivors. It is imperative to a mission's success that any interface used by rescuers is efficient and usable, as they work under high risk, high stress, and time limited conditions. This study examined how access to artificial intelligence (AI) design tools influence novice interface design under a time constraint. Participants completed an interface design exercise based on a simulated U.S. Navy maritime disaster and CSAR mission. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate how well novices translate operational requirements, environmental constraints, and role-based information needs into interface design decisions under time constraints. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Fifteen participants formed a control group and created interfaces manually, either through sketches or conventional design software without AI assistance. The other fifteen participants formed an experimental group and were allowed to use designated AI-assisted design tools (Figma Make, Visily, or Stitch) to help generate and refine their interface concepts. All participants were given 45 minutes to complete the task. Comparisons between AI-assisted and manual designs focused on clarity of information presentation, prioritization of mission-critical data, and overall usability for high-stress operational contexts. Results from this study provide insight into the potential role of AI design tools in supporting rapid interface development and improving situational awareness in complex, mission-critical environments.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Evaluating the Impact of AI-Assisted Tools on Novice Interface Design for Combat Search and Rescue Operations
Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations are specialized military missions with the goal of rescuing personnel from hostile territory, often involving helicopters and elite teams tasked with locating and stabilizing survivors. It is imperative to a mission's success that any interface used by rescuers is efficient and usable, as they work under high risk, high stress, and time limited conditions. This study examined how access to artificial intelligence (AI) design tools influence novice interface design under a time constraint. Participants completed an interface design exercise based on a simulated U.S. Navy maritime disaster and CSAR mission. The overall aim of this study was to evaluate how well novices translate operational requirements, environmental constraints, and role-based information needs into interface design decisions under time constraints. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. Fifteen participants formed a control group and created interfaces manually, either through sketches or conventional design software without AI assistance. The other fifteen participants formed an experimental group and were allowed to use designated AI-assisted design tools (Figma Make, Visily, or Stitch) to help generate and refine their interface concepts. All participants were given 45 minutes to complete the task. Comparisons between AI-assisted and manual designs focused on clarity of information presentation, prioritization of mission-critical data, and overall usability for high-stress operational contexts. Results from this study provide insight into the potential role of AI design tools in supporting rapid interface development and improving situational awareness in complex, mission-critical environments.