Role
Senior Digital Designer
BBJ RANGE MAP.
Team
R&R Digital team
Client
Boeing Business Jets
Website
businessjets.boeing.com
Overview
The new Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) range map provides a detailed, data-driven visualization of the range capabilities for each BBJ model. Unlike the original interactive 3D globe on Boeing’s website, which offered a generalized view, this updated map offers in-depth insights into specific range capacities, using data directly sourced from Boeing. It allows users to compare the maximum travel distances of various BBJ models, highlighting routes and regions each jet can cover in a single flight. This enhanced map is an invaluable tool for potential customers, helping them select the model that best meets their travel needs by showing precise range capabilities across different BBJ options.
Challenges
A significant challenge in creating the updated Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) range map was ensuring the precise tracing of every individual range line. With multiple BBJ models, each with distinct range capabilities, and numerous destination cities to consider, achieving this level of accuracy required extensive data processing and mapping precision. Each range line was initially traced using Google Maps for accuracy, then meticulously transferred and recreated on a custom world map in Adobe Illustrator. This process was crucial for capturing Boeing’s specific range data with exactitude, as even minor inaccuracies could lead to misrepresentations of travel capabilities. This complexity made it essential to develop a solution that could handle diverse jet ranges and destinations with precision, providing prospective customers a reliable, data-driven tool for planning long-distance travel.
Research
For the design research phase, I analyzed competitor and industry range maps to understand existing approaches and identify areas for improvement. While most competitor maps provided functional information, they often lacked visual appeal and ease of use, presenting data in a straightforward but uninspiring way. However, each example offered valuable insights into layout, data presentation, and functionality, serving as a foundation for the BBJ range map design. Some competitors demonstrated effective methods for conveying range data, but our goal was to create something more visually compelling and user-friendly. This research inspired a design that not only conveyed precise range information but also engaged viewers through clear, visually dynamic elements, setting a new standard in both functionality and aesthetic appeal for range maps in the industry.
Design Process
During the design process, I collaborated closely with the design director to determine the optimal way to display the BBJ models and cities on the updated range map. We decided to simplify the user interface significantly compared to the original range map module, aiming for a cleaner and more intuitive layout. To enhance clarity and visual distinction, we adopted a color theme based on Boeing’s signature blue and orange. This palette allowed each range line to stand out, even when plotted closely together, by providing a clear, consistent color distinction for different models. The refined color scheme, paired with a simplified UI, ensured the map was not only visually cohesive but also easy to navigate, elevating both the functionality and aesthetic quality of the BBJ range map.
In refining the BBJ range map, we transitioned from the original concept, where range lines shared a gold theme differentiated only by solid, dotted, and dashed styles, to a more effective color-themed approach using Boeing’s external brand colors. This shift to blue and orange, distinct tones within Boeing’s brand palette, was a strategic decision to make each range line visually stand out, especially when plotted in close proximity. This change significantly improved clarity by allowing users to instantly differentiate between models, enhancing both the map’s usability and visual appeal. This thoughtful application of color, paired with a simplified UI, resulted in a modern, user-friendly interface that aligned with Boeing’s brand identity while elevating the map’s functionality and aesthetic impact.
Results
The updated Boeing Business Jets (BBJ) range map successfully achieved its goal of delivering a visually engaging, user-friendly tool that accurately represents the range capabilities of each BBJ model.
The customer was highly pleased with the final BBJ range map, recognizing it as a significant improvement over previous versions. They praised the map’s visual appeal, ease of use, and accuracy in depicting each model’s range capabilities. The refined design, featuring distinct color-coded range lines and a streamlined UI, exceeded their expectations by making complex data accessible and engaging for potential clients.
