Project Overview
Disrupting the AI Market
Trion is an AI-Driven Battery Management System (BMS) created for the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). As part of our launch strategy, we "pitched" it to industry leaders like Eve and Blade to explore strategic partnerships.
Challenge
We were tasked to create a component or system within an electric aircraft. This project mimicked a real-world scenario with different layers spanning from research to product launch.
Result
Meet Trion: a next-gen solution designed to power the future of electric flight. Built with FAA-compliant components, fire-resistant thermal containers, and AI-enabled features, our system keeps aircraft secure and air-ready.
My Team
Helen Liang - UI/UX & Graphic Designer
Sherry Li - Product Manager/Software Engineer
Khushi Dalal - Sr. Product Designer
Me - Sr. Product Designer
Research & Planning
Gaining insight & empathy
Layers: Project Strategy Map, Ranked List of Needs, Free Body Diagram, Marketplace Differentiation
Ranked List of Needs
The Electric Aviation market is so broad, it was crucial to conduct research and decide on a product or system that had both potential to succeed, and fixed a relevant environmental problem. The main issue with electric air travel is that batteries cannot withstand long-haul flights.
We decided to focus on urban air mobility.
customer needs (UAM electric aircraft companies)
01
Safety is the foundation of aviation. No UAM operators or investors will consider adopting electric aircraft if they do not meet or exceed the safety standards set by FAA, EASA, etc.
02
Thin profit margins make cost savings (fuel, maintenance) vital for most UAM operators, and minimal downtime and unscheduled maintenance is key for on-demand UAM services.
03
Effective integration of charging systems and current aviation systems, diagnostics, and support networks underpins operational feasibility.
04
Range, speed, comfort, number of passengers per flight, cabin size, premium seating, etc., drive customer satisfaction.
05
Growing regulations and consumer demand push low-emission travel.
user needs (people using the aircraft)
01
Safety and public confidence
02
UAM and air taxi users have unpredictable schedules, frequent departures, and expect minimal delays, so convenience and performance are key.
03
Affluent, tech-savvy commuters expect premium features and seating, reduced cabin noise and streamlined boarding. The design and interior layout of electric aircraft significantly impact passenger experience.
04
While willingness to pay is high for early adopters, cost remains a deciding factor for wider adoption.
05
Zero-emission capability attracts eco-conscious consumers and meets growing regulatory pressure.
Bottom Line...
The average trip for an electric aircraft is limited to 30-50 mins, but we wondered:
How can AI can be leveraged to improve the world's existing solutions?
Define + Ideate
Refining our product
Layers: Product Decomposition, Prototype Schematic, DfX Life Cycle, Details Method Costing, Materials Selection Process, HIP Study, Availability/Lead time/Delivery options, Manufacturing Process Selection
After going through these layers, we discovered challenges in building and shipping a functional battery system and became experts in balancing trade-offs to address our customer and user needs.
Product Decomposition
Detailed Protoype Schematic (AI)
DfX Life Cycle
Prototype
Meet Trion
A solution designed to disrupt the AI market, bringing a product that not only seeks to make money but also helps our environment in the process.
Key Differentiators
Hardware
Strategy
Test/Implement
Reflection
Our project was very successful, and we got good feedback from our peers and professor.
What we could have done better
Project Management
01
A better way of working would be assigning roles based on our strengths,because the rotation of roles caused 3 hour long meetings and miscommunication. But we tried our best :)
Stronger Build + Visuals
03
Better project management= more time. The design of the Easy Charge & Swap (which was assigned to me) and our UI could have been more seamlessly integrated with our partner’s products.
Tying Sustainability
04
We had the metrics, the evidence, and the growth targets. Our final slides lacked heart. We never directly emphasized how Trion could help the average Joe.
