HELIX
An AI-powered maritime surveillance system designed to monitor, analyze, and secure national waters in real time. By integrating satellite data, vessel detection technologies, and intelligent processing, Helix enables naval operators to identify unprotected maritime zones, detect unauthorized vessel activity, and respond proactively to potential threats.
TASK
Design an AI-powered maritime surveillance system that enables naval operators to monitor vessel activity, identify unprotected maritime zones, and respond to potential threats in real time through an integrated command interface.
ROLE
User Research
System & UX Strategy
UX Design
UI Design
TEAM DISTRIBUTON
2 Product Designer (UI/UX)
PROJECT INCLUDES
UI/UX Design
Final Design
Prototype
COMPANY
Pensieve Digital Indonesia for Anonymous Government institution
YEAR
2025-2026
This case study has been adapted in compliance with a non-disclosure agreement. Certain elements such as brand names, product names, visual styles, and key features have been modified. However, the core use cases and user needs remain representative of the original work.
BACKGROUND
In recent years, several cross-border conflicts have occurred across Southeast Asia, highlighting growing concerns over maritime security. One of the recurring issues is the presence of illegal foreign vessels entering Indonesian waters and remaining undetected for extended periods. This problem is primarily caused by two factors: limited naval coverage in certain maritime areas and the absence of advanced monitoring systems capable of detecting and tracking unauthorized vessels in real time. To address these challenges, there is a need for an integrated system powered by artificial intelligence that can enhance surveillance, improve response time, and strengthen overall maritime defense.
These images are sourced from various national news outlets documenting illegal foreign vessels entering Indonesian waters without authorization. The vessels are reported to be involved in illegal fishing and other suspicious activities, as identified through reports from local Indonesian fishermen.
END-TO-END MARITIME DETECTION SYSTEM
This section outlines how Helix integrates satellite monitoring, vessel detection, data transmission, and AI processing into a unified system. The architecture is designed to support real-time analysis and enable efficient decision-making within complex maritime environments.
IDEA GENERATION
Through collaboration with maritime experts and stakeholders, we identified four critical user needs that serve as the foundation for the product. These insights guided feature development and design decisions, ensuring the solution addresses operational challenges and aligns with current technological capabilities.
FROM INSIGHTS TO DESIGN DIRECTION
Based on key insights derived from research and cross-functional collaboration, I identified the critical challenges that needed to be addressed. These insights were translated into user stories and How Might We statements, which guided the design exploration and informed the overall direction of the system.
UNDERSTAND THE USER'S NEEDS
🙋🏿♂️
As a naval operator, I want to receive real-time alerts when unauthorized or unidentified vessels enter Indonesian waters so that I can initiate immediate response and interception procedures.
🙋🏻
As a naval operator, I want to identify maritime zones with limited or no active surveillance so that I can strategically deploy naval units and defense systems to high-risk areas.
THE CHALLENGE
👷🏻♀️
How might we enable naval operators to detect and respond to unauthorized vessels in real time so they can prevent prolonged illegal presence in Indonesian waters?
👷🏾
How might we help naval operators quickly identify and prioritize unprotected maritime zones so they can deploy resources more strategically and efficiently?
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Real-Time Situational Awareness
Design an intuitive map-based interface that visualizes maritime activity, patrol zones, and blind spots in real time, enabling quick understanding and informed decision-making.
Smart Alert Prioritization
Implement AI-driven alerts to highlight high-risk events, using clear visual hierarchy to ensure critical threats are immediately visible and actionable.
Action-Oriented Workflows
Streamline interactions with clear call-to-action elements (e.g., deploy units, track vessels), reducing cognitive load and enabling rapid response.
Scalable Coverage Insight
Enable seamless zoom from national-level overviews to detailed vessel tracking, supporting efficient monitoring of large maritime areas with localized insights.
INFORMATION ARCHTECHTURE
Following alignment with product requirements and key system functionalities, I structured the information architecture to support clear navigation and efficient access to critical data. Given the complexity of maritime monitoring, the architecture prioritizes quick access to alerts, coverage insights, and vessel tracking.
The flow presented here is a simplified version for portfolio purposes; the actual system includes more detailed and layered structures.
USER FLOW
I designed user flows to map how naval operators interact with the system—from detecting anomalies to initiating response actions. These flows ensure that critical tasks can be completed quickly, with minimal friction, especially in time-sensitive scenarios.
INITIAL INTERFACE
The user flows were translated into low-fidelity wireframes to explore layout, interaction patterns, and data hierarchy. These initial designs focus on clarity, information prioritization, and usability, serving as the foundation for developing high-fidelity interfaces.
THE SOLUTION
The final design presents Helix as an integrated command interface that enables real-time maritime monitoring, intelligent threat detection, and strategic response planning. While this case study is presented in a structured, linear format, the actual design process involved multiple iterations, continuous validation, and close collaboration with product, engineering, and domain stakeholders to ensure the system meets real operational demands.
Solution 1: Unidentified Vessels
🙋🏻
As a naval operator, I want to receive real-time alerts when unauthorized or unidentified vessels enter Indonesian waters so that I can initiate immediate response and interception procedures.
👷🏾
How might we enable naval operators to detect and respond to unauthorized vessels in real time so they can prevent prolonged illegal presence in Indonesian waters?
✨
By integrating Location Log (24 Hours), Pinned Location, Activity Record, the platform enables users to intuitively replay a target’s movement, visualize their behavioral flow over time, and highlight key or suspicious locations—turning raw movement data into a clear behavioral narrative.
Solution 2: Unprotected Area
🙋🏿♂️
As a naval operator, I want to identify maritime zones with limited or no active surveillance so that I can strategically deploy naval units and defense systems to high-risk areas.
👷🏻♀️
How might we help naval operators quickly identify and prioritize unprotected maritime zones so they can deploy resources more strategically and efficiently?
✨
Through Location Correlation, Phone Details, ID Data Details, and Location Overview, the system allows users to compare multiple targets side-by-side, uncover shared meeting points and identity links, and visualize coordinated movements—helping analysts detect possible group behavior and underlying network patterns.
LIVE PROTOTYPE
Please explore the live prototype to experience the finalized flow and design implemented in the final version.
Click “Expand Icon” to view it in full size for a better and more immersive experience.
LIMITATION & OBSTACLE
Limited Access to Domain Experts
Due to the sensitive nature of defense operations, direct access to naval personnel and real-world workflows was limited. This required relying on secondary research and assumptions, which may not fully capture operational complexity.
Data Availability & Accuracy Constraints
The system concept relies on real-time maritime data (e.g., AIS, satellite), which may be incomplete, delayed, or unavailable in certain regions—affecting detection accuracy and system reliability.
Complexity of AI Integration
Designing AI-driven detection and prediction systems introduces challenges in ensuring accuracy, transparency, and user trust—especially in high-stakes environments.
Operational & Environmental Constraints
Maritime conditions such as unstable connectivity, harsh environments, and hardware limitations (e.g., portable devices on ships) can impact system performance and usability.
IMPACT
For the Client
Helix improves the Navy’s operational efficiency by providing real-time visibility of maritime activity and identifying coverage gaps. It enables faster decision-making, better resource allocation, and quicker response to potential threats through a centralized and intuitive interface.
For the Nation
Helix strengthens Indonesia’s maritime security by enabling early detection of unauthorized vessels and reducing illegal activities such as illegal fishing and smuggling. It supports national sovereignty, protects marine resources, and ensures better control over territorial waters.
For the Company
Helix strengthens the company’s credibility as a provider of advanced AI-driven defense solutions. It opens opportunities for long-term government partnerships and scalable growth through future system expansion and upgrades.
GET IN TOUCH
© FENDRA PUNU. SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER (UI/UX). AUGSBURG - GERMANY. 2026. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.