NCAA-DATR License Application Portal
The NCAA-DATR Application Portal is a transformative digital solution designed for the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority's Directorate of Air Transportation Regulation. This platform reimagines the licensing application process for aviation stakeholders, replacing an outdated paper-based system with a modern, transparent, and efficient digital workflow.
SterlingTech - NCAA (DATR)
UI/UX Designer (Grants Platform)
2 Months
Web
My Role
I worked with a team of a project/product managers, a UX/UI designer, and 3 developers. I collaborated on research and ideation workshops, while I handled the end-to-end design of the license grants platform that allows aviation companies and partners to seamlessly apply for licenses and track application status, improving efficiency and transparency.
I worked with a team of a project/product managers, a UX/UI designer, and 3 developers. I collaborated on research and ideation workshops, while I handled the end-to-end design of the license grants platform that allows aviation companies and partners to seamlessly apply for licenses and track application status, improving efficiency and transparency.
Problem Statement
The Nigerian aviation sector has long faced challenges with licensing. The process is slow, relies heavily on manual paperwork, and is often exposed to corruption through unauthorised middlemen. The DATR Application Portal solves these problems by creating a direct digital link between applicants and the regulatory authority, making the process more transparent and faster.
The Nigerian aviation sector has long faced challenges with licensing. The process is slow, relies heavily on manual paperwork, and is often exposed to corruption through unauthorised middlemen. The DATR Application Portal solves these problems by creating a direct digital link between applicants and the regulatory authority, making the process more transparent and faster.
Project Objective
1. Digital Application Processing
The system replaces the traditional paper-based workflow with a fully digital process. Applicants can upload all required documents online, which are then verified by officials. This reduces paperwork, speeds up approvals, and lowers the risk of fraudulent applications.
2. Application Tracking System
The platform includes a real-time tracking feature. Each application gets a unique ID, allowing applicants to see its progress at every stage. Automatic notifications keep both applicants and officials updated, helping to cut down delays.
3. Administrative Dashboard
DATR officials can manage everything from a central dashboard. It shows all applications at a glance, supports quick document verification, highlights bottlenecks, and offers sorting and filtering tools. This makes it easier to process applications faster and more efficiently.
1. Digital Application Processing
The system replaces the traditional paper-based workflow with a fully digital process. Applicants can upload all required documents online, which are then verified by officials. This reduces paperwork, speeds up approvals, and lowers the risk of fraudulent applications.
2. Application Tracking System
The platform includes a real-time tracking feature. Each application gets a unique ID, allowing applicants to see its progress at every stage. Automatic notifications keep both applicants and officials updated, helping to cut down delays.
3. Administrative Dashboard
DATR officials can manage everything from a central dashboard. It shows all applications at a glance, supports quick document verification, highlights bottlenecks, and offers sorting and filtering tools. This makes it easier to process applications faster and more efficiently.
Design Process
Discover
Stakeholder Engagement
Competitive Analysis
Ideate
Brainstorming Session
User Flow
Design
& Prototype
UI Design & Components
Handoff
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder Interviews
Our team conducted interviews with DATR officials to understand current licensing processes. We documented key pain points in the manual application system and identified success metrics for the new platform. Through careful analysis, we mapped the existing workflow to understand bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Key Findings from the Stakeholders:
Manual processes led to significant application backlogs
Paper documentation was prone to loss and damage
Third-party agents often complicated the process
Lack of transparency in application status
Difficulty in verifying submitted documents
Stakeholder Interviews
Our team conducted interviews with DATR officials to understand current licensing processes. We documented key pain points in the manual application system and identified success metrics for the new platform. Through careful analysis, we mapped the existing workflow to understand bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Key Findings from the Stakeholders:
Manual processes led to significant application backlogs
Paper documentation was prone to loss and damage
Third-party agents often complicated the process
Lack of transparency in application status
Difficulty in verifying submitted documents
Competitive Analysis
We conducted a thorough analysis of the Corporate Affairs Commission's successful digital transformation initiative, examining their approach to document verification systems, payment integration, user authentication, and application tracking. Through this study, we identified best practices that could be effectively transferred to other government digital services.
We conducted a thorough analysis of the Corporate Affairs Commission's successful digital transformation initiative, examining their approach to document verification systems, payment integration, user authentication, and application tracking. Through this study, we identified best practices that could be effectively transferred to other government digital services.
User Flow
Ideation
We organized and facilitated a collaborative ideation workshop with a cross-functional team that included DATR officials, Project/Product Manager, UX/UI designers, and developers. Drawing inspiration from CAC's digital system, we created journey maps for different user types and prioritized features based on stakeholder needs.
Solution Framework - We developed initial concepts for:
Digital application workflow
Document verification system
Status tracking dashboard
We organized and facilitated a collaborative ideation workshop with a cross-functional team that included DATR officials, Project/Product Manager, UX/UI designers, and developers. Drawing inspiration from CAC's digital system, we created journey maps for different user types and prioritized features based on stakeholder needs.
Solution Framework - We developed initial concepts for:
Digital application workflow
Document verification system
Status tracking dashboard
Visual Outcomes
License Application Requirements
License Application Form
Required Documents Upload
Signature Upload and Submission
License Application Dashboard
Application Tracking and Approval
Results and Impact
The implementation of the DATR Portal has led to significant improvements in licensing operations:
Reduced average application processing time from 3 to 6 months to less a month
Eliminated the role of unauthorized intermediaries in the application process
Achieved 100% digital documentation, reducing paper waste and storage costs
Increased transparency in application status and requirements
Enhanced data security and regulatory compliance
Improved applicant satisfaction through clear communication and faster processing
The implementation of the DATR Portal has led to significant improvements in licensing operations:
Reduced average application processing time from 3 to 6 months to less a month
Eliminated the role of unauthorized intermediaries in the application process
Achieved 100% digital documentation, reducing paper waste and storage costs
Increased transparency in application status and requirements
Enhanced data security and regulatory compliance
Improved applicant satisfaction through clear communication and faster processing
Key Learnings and Takeaway
Through the NCAA-DATR Digital Licensing Portal project, I discovered the transformative power of user-centered design in complex government systems. My key learnings include:
Digital solutions must prioritize simplicity and user experience
Collaborative approach accelerates innovative problem-solving in product development
Constructive feedback is a growth opportunity, while embracing diverse perspectives improves end product
Clear communication ensures shared understanding
No single design process or methodology fits all challenges, flexibility and adaptability are critical in delivering successful product
Key Takeaway: This project underscored that successful digital transformation requires empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding user pain points.
Through the NCAA-DATR Digital Licensing Portal project, I discovered the transformative power of user-centered design in complex government systems. My key learnings include:
Digital solutions must prioritize simplicity and user experience
Collaborative approach accelerates innovative problem-solving in product development
Constructive feedback is a growth opportunity, while embracing diverse perspectives improves end product
Clear communication ensures shared understanding
No single design process or methodology fits all challenges, flexibility and adaptability are critical in delivering successful product
Key Takeaway: This project underscored that successful digital transformation requires empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding user pain points.
TIMOTHY ADEBAYO
TIMOTHY ADEBAYO
Let’s collaborate
Friday, October 24, 2025
4:08:52 PM
TIMOTHY ADEBAYO
Let’s collaborate
Friday, October 24, 2025
4:08:52 PM