I led the redesign of DFW’s flight information display system, crafting a more scannable, stress-free experience for 80 million passengers.
THE TASK
Modernizing the Passenger Experience at DFW Airport
At one of the busiest airports in the world, flight information displays are more than screens. They are the heartbeat of the terminal. Every passenger glances at them, and every missed detail can ripple into stress, questions, and delays.
DFW’s internal research confirmed the stakes: passengers were struggling to locate the right information quickly, especially while moving, under pressure, or navigating crowded terminals.
I was brought in to reimagine the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and design a system that delivers clarity, calm, and instant recognition across every terminal.
RESEARCH
I explored what matters most to travelers,
to uncover the information they trust and need most.
Prioritizing What Matters
To design an experience that worked in real time and at a distance, I started by identifying the core content travelers need most: flight number, airline name, destination or origin, arrival or departure time, and status.
Collaborating with our Creative Director, I prioritized these elements based on user journeys and airport signage behaviors. Defining what should be surfaced, grouped, or minimized on each screen.
To establish a visual language that felt both modern and grounded in the DFW brand, I curated visual references that balanced legibility, authority, and calm.
I pulled visual references from airport wayfinding systems, dashboard UIs, and real-time transit interfaces. Focusing on systems that perform well under pressure and scale across large-format displays.
Establishing the Visual Direction
Through exploration, I identified key visual patterns essential for airport environments
DESIGN
I designed for clarity under pressure,
ensuring critical info stands out in motion and at a distance.
Key Design Questions That Guided Me
✈️ What should a passenger see first, at a glance?
✈️ How do we make changes (like delays) immediately noticeable without causing stress?
✈️ How does this layout function from 10 feet away? In motion? In dim light?
Rethinking the Format
Traditional FIDS rely on dense, table-style layouts, efficient for fitting data, but often overwhelming to scan under pressure. I proposed a shift to a tile layout, where each flight is treated as its own visual unit.
THE RESULT
The design didn’t just look better,
it saved time, eased staff workload, and improved passenger confidence.
Info Desk Staff, DFW Airport
“People used to ask us about gates nonstop. Now they just look up and keep moving, it’s made a big difference.”
A passenger I interviewed
“I didn’t have to scan a giant wall of numbers — I saw my flight, my gate, and my delay right away. It was way less stressful.”
