Logistics Mobile App:
Project Summary:
Design a mobile app to deploy before the big Agent’s Conference.
The Team:
As the UX Lead I managed 2 freelance UX designers so we could execute the project on time.
The Work:
• User Interviews
• Persona Creation
• Journey Mapping,
• Wireframes
• Prototyping,
• On-brand Design System
• User Guide handout
The Results:
Successful launch! Our agent-users no longer need to bring laptops to the doctors office or bring iPads out on the Football field while coaching little Jimmy. Through our research, the most crucial functions were identified, implemented, and tested. Then we designed, documented and deployed.
Company:
Trinity Logistics - For Independent Freight Agents around the country.
Challenge
Our Agents in the field have a huge problem because the Robust Trinity TMS is only available on desktop. The data is too cumbersome to view on a small mobile device in its current format. Agents have been requesting a Transportation Management System(TMS) on their mobile phones to work when they are away from the office. So we decided it was time to create a light version of the TMS.
The problem is we have a 4 month deadline and the full TMS is too massive to recreate for a mobile application.
User Experience Research
Product Study
We studied the existing functionality of the current TMS to understand its functionality and complexity.
User Interviews
To prep for our user interviews we spoke to our internal team members, development team, and project management. During the interview process, we used Zoom to record, and later we transcribed the answers into a spreadsheet.
We tracked Pain Points, insights, and opportunities for improvement.
We’ve heard stories of Agents bringing laptops to doctor’s appointments, and using them while coaching football games. Through user interviews, we mapped out the user flows and figured out the essential functions that our Agents need when they are out in the field.
User Interview Questions
Developing Personas
The best way to get to know people is to talk to them. One of my favorite parts of User Experience work is talking to people from all walks of life about what they do.
Who they are? What motivates them? What are the big pain points?
An open ended approach to talking with people is the secret to getting a lot of information that you would not think to ask about.
Research Results
We determined essential functionality for the first release.
Essential Functionality:
Quickly search & filter in-progress shipments
Access vital load or carrier information in a mobile-friendly format
Contact Trinity Support
Easily submit feedback on desired functionality and features
User Experience Design
Key User Flows for App
We created 3 User Flow diagrams that showed our the functionality required for the application.
We used this for discussions with stakeholder, and developers.
Wireframe and Prototype Design
UI Screens with minimal colors and text were designed and shared with stakeholders for approval and used for testing.
Application Mapping
Application Mapping is a visual way to show the navigation and flow of screens to stakeholders.
User Testing
After we get a UX screen design that the team likes, we test the app with users. Over zoom we would ask them to perform simple tasks to see their actions.
User Interface Design
UI Screen Design
We take another look into the brand colors and style guides to redesign the UX screens with the final look and feel including colors, fonts, and design icons.
Documentation: Fonts, Colors, Full Style Guide
A clean on-brand design system based on best practices for mobile app design and brand colors.
Special attention paid to WCAG compliance dictated that we needed to stay away from the main brand color but stay within brand color family for accessibility reasons.
Deployment and Support
Deployment for this mobile app
The designs were programmed by developers and deployed in the Apple App and Google Play stores complete with descriptions and screenshots.
Quick Start Guide Hand Out
Simple instructions were handed out at our live event to manage expectations with new users. This application, while not a complete Transportation Management System, is exactly what our agents in the field need when away from the office.
The Results:
Successful launch! Our agent-users no longer need to bring laptops to the doctors office or bring iPads out on the Football field while coaching little Jimmy. Through our research, the most crucial functions were identified, implemented, and tested.
Then we designed, documented fonts, colors, and full style guide.
The application launched and is currently live.