Quicksilver Discovery: Exploratory User Research and Rapid Prototyping

Intoduction

Effective command and control systems are critical to mission success in modern military operations, especially for highly mobile units like the Ranger Regiment. However, these systems must be adaptable, secure, and user-friendly to meet the demands of rapidly evolving scenarios.

In May 2024, MilUX, in partnership with CDW UK and 2iC Limited, led a Discovery phase for a deployable Staff Working Environment (SWE) for the Land Special Operations Forcess (Land SOF) Ranger Regiment. The Discovery phase was completed in August 2024, and the solution is now being developed. This Quicksilver initiative aims to enhance the command and control effectiveness of RANGER units operating in highly mobile and demanding scenarios. This article provides an overview of MilUX’s approach to Discovery and how we have used our user-centred design approach to de-risk the delivery.

Approach

Leveraging our exploratory user research service, we conducted in-depth user research to understand the Rangers’ needs, motivations, and challenges. This approach went beyond surface-level observations, uncovering hidden pain points, validating assumptions, and identifying opportunities for innovation. By establishing a research lab within the RANGER units in Aldershot and Pirbright, MilUX has ensured the insights were directly applicable to shaping solutions that addressed interoperability, workflow inefficiencies, and secure communications, significantly reducing development risks and aligning solutions with real-world military contexts.

Phased approach to discovery and prototyping

Throughout the Discovery phase, we applied our concept generation and early prototyping expertise to accelerate innovation and ensure practical, user-centred outcomes. This involved collaborative workshops, interviews, focus groups, ethnographic field studies, and rapid prototyping to explore, refine, and validate concepts directly with the RANGERs. Detailed process and user journey mapping highlighted workflow inefficiencies while prototype testing simulated real-world use cases.

Example of the user research outputs

MilUX’s hands-on approach facilitated early feedback, ensured stakeholder buy-in, and avoided costly design changes later in the Quicksilver delivery. MilUX’s structured capability assessment delivered key outcomes that significantly reduced development risks. Operational Gaps were identified, highlighting differing expectations among Ranger operators and informing the need for standardisation and targeted training.

This work will enable CDW to source suitable commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions and help 2iC refine the digital architecture to enhance rapid decision-making and secure communication flows. Our approach will also lead to cost savings, smoother adoption and integration, and improved interoperability with partner forces.