What to Remember When Designing In Flight Entertainment Systems

When designing aircraft interior products, it can be difficult to remember all of the factors that influence their design, all while remaining within budgetary restrictions and saftey requirements. But the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re creating a user experience, which is why in flight entertainment companies put so much time and effort into demographic research and testing.

Check out these three reminders of who your audience will be and how you can make an appealing and innovative product for them:

Offer Options
Different types of flights call for different types of media consumption. Be mindful of this when you design the interface, and make sure that there is room for all sorts of entertainment options, from music and music videos, to older, well known movies and new releases. Your passengers will appreciate being able to customize and personally curate their air time.

Keep Up With the Times
This doesn’t just refer to making sure that newly released movies are available on your IFE systems (although that is probably also a good idea). But, according to TripAdvisor’s 2013 Air Travel Survey, 25% of respondents would choose one airline over another if it offered beloved wireless Internet. In our digital age, all in flight entertainment companies should have Internet access and applications in mind when they design their systems. Considering options like syncing a passenger’s device with the system could also lead to some innovative new ideas and options.

Allow For Flexibility
Many customers prefer not to watch a screen during their flights. In fact, 21% of airline passengers read, while 17% like to sleep. That means that when designing entertainment systems, these alternatives should be taken into account. Easy disengagement from screens, guided meditations, relaxing music, and in-seat power for a flyer’s personal devices, like e-books or music players, will make all passengers feel like their tastes and preferences are accommodated for.

Whether you are presenting your products at an aircraft interiors expo, or directly to a client, it is crucial to remember who you are crafting your products for — the flyer.