Master Thesis, 30 HP: Next Generation EW HMI Design

Are you a student eager to apply your theoretical knowledge and fresh perspectives to real-world challenges? At Saab, we believe that innovation thrives on new ideas, and your master thesis project could be the spark that ignites our next technological breakthrough.

Your role

We recognize the immense value that students bring to our company. Your academic rigor, combined with your enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology, allows you to approach problems with a unique and insightful lens. At Saab, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers and specialists, gaining invaluable practical experience while making a tangible contribution to our growth and development.

Background
We are looking to define the next-generation HMI for electronic warfare (EW) systems. These systems operate in high-stakes scenarios, where usability of the HMI is crucial. The operator needs to be presented with the most critical information clearly and at the appropriate time in order to facilitate difficult decision-making. The operator also needs to be offered interaction tools that support their goals of detecting and communicating around the active scenario. Furthermore, with increasing levels of automation, the operator's role in the human-machine interaction loop needs to be understood better. This master thesis will investigate some core aspect of these problems.

Description Of The Master Thesis
With sensor control trending towards automation, how shall the human operator and AI best collaborate for increased operator performance? This thesis aims to investigate automation of sensor control HMIs from an operator's perspective. What should be the role of an EW operator in autonomous sensor system, to what level should the HMI adapt autonomously (e.g., cognitive sensor system). Topics such as AI transparency (e.g. mechanistic interpretability), system trust, vigilance and responsibilities might be explored. Looking to define the role of the operator for this next generation of sensors also means defining what metrics "operator performance" describes.

Another important aspect of the next generation EW HMI is how one could be better utilized for collaboration between operators of different sensors. As sensor systems grow more complex and distributed, e.g., incorporating multiple EW capabilities, facilitating operator collaboration could aid understanding and lead to more efficient decision-making. Research is required into optimal ways for effective collaboration at different levels of operator control such as single system, multi system, and system tasking, as well as between these. Examples include collaboration within visualizations such as a map, communicating issues, building search programs, and more. Could they collaborate seamlessly as if they were in the same room? How are results best reported to another level of operator?

We are looking for research into one of the above topics or a combination, by narrowing the scope together with a suitable candidate. The chosen topic might be researched through literature review, research-through-design, user studies and prototyping at varying levels of fidelity.

Your profile

This Master Thesis is suitable for one student with interest in HMI, Interaction Design, and its application to cutting edge technology. You are at the end of your master's in Interaction Design, Computer Science or Information Technology and about to start your Master Thesis work for 30 HP. We are looking for someone with experience with UX/Interaction Design competence and preferably some skills in HMI/UI development.

We provide the support and guidance you need to translate your theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Join us and become a driving force behind Saab's technological advancements

This position requires that you pass a security vetting based on the current regulations around/of security protection. For positions requiring security clearance additional obligations on citizenship may apply.
What you will be a part of
Explore a wealth of possibilities. Take on challenges, create smart inventions, and grow beyond. This is a place for curious minds, brave pioneers, and everyone in between. Together, we achieve the extraordinary, each bringing our unique perspectives. Your part matters.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 25,500 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world.

Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations. Read more about us here

Last application day

Contact information
Thomas Lindgren, Manager