Smart Skies
A platform connecting drone pilots, regulators, and airspace data — built for where aviation regulation is heading, not where it's been.
The Problem
Drone usage is growing fast. As more people see the potential for drone deliveries across the country, the limitations of battery range become a real barrier. We were challenged to produce a proof of concept that would let drones hop between public and private charging pads — extending their range and opening up new delivery possibilities. On top of this, the platform needed real-time flight data for pilots, visibility of progress for pad operators, and full regulatory traceability in an already crowded airspace.
"The challenge isn't just technical — it's building trust through communication between pilots, pad operators, regulators, and the public in a technology most people still don't fully understand."
Gary Henn - CEO, SmartSkies + Broadstones Solutions Ltd.
The Result
An MVP platform that streamlined pilot and operator registration, integrated real-time data for all parties, and gave regulators their first live view of airspace activity in the drone market.
- £50,000
- Investment secured through the PoC
- MVP
- Prototype delivered as workable code in 2 weeks
- Real-time
- Tracking of airspace activity for drones of all sizes
Overview
The Role & Impact
Product designer and strategist from concept through to MVP. Worked directly with the founding team to define the product vision, user journeys, and technical requirements for pilot registration and airspace integration. We mapped the full pilot journey from registration to flight approval, identified where friction and drop-off were highest, then designed a system that reduced each of those friction points — simplifying without stripping out necessary compliance steps.