A project information manager for the in-field workers.

Newforma Field

Soon available for download

WHERE

Wroclaw

MY TASKS

User Research, User Flows,
Information Architecture,
Low & High Wireframes,
Prototyping, Usability Testing

WHAT

Mobile App

MY ROLE

UX/UI Designer

Overview

Newforma Field connects design teams with the information they need to keep construction projects on track. The purpose of the application is to provide the critical functionalities of the main desktop base app out in the field and easily connect information and resources to the project teams.

Problem

Newforma has developed a revolutionary product system that has enabled architects, engineers, contractors, and owners to access project resources neatly synchronized and organized in one place.

However, coordinating between the field and office can be tricky. The lack of an all-rounded mobile application designed with on-job site teams in mind became significant.

Solution

I worked with Newforma’ PM’s, analysts, and engineers to consolidate three legacy mobile apps into one improved by features allowing teams to share critical information, manage and monitor tasks, questions, and deficiencies with an intuitive interface.

Always on track.

Track deficiencies, report on them, and ensure they are timely fixed. An intuitive way to log and review daily tasks with the ability to document conditions for easier models and drawing updates.

Office on the go.

Focus on bridging the gap between the office and the on-site conditions of a construction project. The intuitive interface keeps information flowing faster and updates of plans easier.

Resources
organized by context.

Quickly switch between projects depending on in-field location. The download of all the project resources and offline mode - assures access to crucial data regardless of internet access.

Learning About Users

I started by analyzing customer feedback collected through UserVoice and some available analytics for other apps under the client system. Then I followed with an additional round of surveys to get a broader data sample. I took those through a card-sorting exercise to find common themes among the responses and incorporated those into the user persona.

Some of the asked questions:

  1. What are your primary goals as an in-field worker?

  2. How important is it for you to have access to information and features in the mobile app, even when you are offline or in areas with poor connectivity?

  3. What are the biggest challenges you face in organizing and managing your tasks and jobs?

  4. How important is real-time communication and collaboration within the mobile app for your work?

  5. Please describe any frustrations or pain points you have encountered while using mobile apps for your work.

insight #1

Task and Job Management

Effective organization of tasks and jobs is crucial for in-field workers. User research highlights the importance of mobile apps that allow workers to easily view and manage their assigned tasks, update statuses, prioritize activities, track progress, and receive real-time updates of potential changes.

RESULT: Functionalities and ways in which users can interact with them should be adjusted to ensure a better experience when in field conditions. Focus on - simplified navigation, clear instructions, and straightforward workflows.

insight #2

Integration with Existing Systems.

Many organizations already have established systems and tools for managing work processes. In-field workers appreciate mobile apps that seamlessly integrate with these existing systems, enabling them to access relevant data, capture and share information, and synchronize with back-end systems.

RESULT: The app should allow easy synchronization with already existing projects on the main platform (Newforma Project Center).

insight #3

Offline Functionality.

In-field workers often operate in areas with limited or no internet connectivity. Mobile apps that offer offline functionality, such as the ability to access and update information offline, synchronize data when connectivity is restored, and allow seamless transitions between online and offline modes, are highly sought after.

RESULT: Providing an easily accessible way to switch the mode of the app while still preserving the main features for accessing, collecting, and updating information.

From Findings To Features

For the final piece of the research phase, I wanted to define how the behaviour for offline mode could look like from the viewpoint of the on-job site team member.

Competition Analysis

  • Field-specific functionalities (project info and documentation), great focus and specialization in issue tracking and coordination, wide seamless integration, customizable workflows and permissions, real-time collaboration features .

Common strengths:

  • Overwhelming or cluttered interface, limited customization options for adapting workflows to specific projects, additional and/or knowledge might be required to navigate easily,

Weaknesses:

  • Improved User Experience: Focus on creating a highly intuitive and user-friendly interface that offers a seamless and efficient user experience, addressing any usability pain points reported by users of existing apps.

  • Enhanced Offline Functionality: Offer robust offline capabilities that allow users to access and update critical project information even in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, providing a distinct advantage over competitors.

  • Simplified Task Management: Develop an app with a streamlined task management system, providing users with intuitive tools for prioritizing activities, tracking progress, and meeting deadlines, while ensuring flexibility to adapt to various project requirements.

  • Seamless Integration: Provide seamless integration with commonly used software and tools in the construction industry, allowing for efficient data exchange and collaboration between different stakeholders and project teams.

Opportunities:

Process - Sketches. Breadboarding. Wireframes. andThenSome.

My process began with some of my initial ideas wireframes, and breadboarding.
After that goes through mockups, flows, and finally - high-fidelity prototypes.

Breadboarding

After completing a few early user flows, it became clear that the nature of the app and the processes it should support are not that linear. The majority of the core functions appeared almost cyclical. I decided to explore another approach to expand my exploration of what a product or feature could do.

User Flows

user testing

Does it actually work ?

I conducted multiple user testing sessions from the on-the-job-site team member perspective. Later, I gathered additional feedback from multiple bash testing sessions.

change #1

Vertical Space

change #2

Improved slide through plans

With the wide feedback from the bash test group, the need for better navigation of open plan files became clear. At that stage, a user could only access already downloaded plan ones, which proved to be inconvenient.

Additional stages of ‘Update Available’ and ‘Download’ with actions to Update/Download files have been added to improve the experience.

In the original design, the project picker
was available from the Plans and Tasks list views. However, the additional tests showed that access to it doesn’t have to be that prevalent.

The solution of moving it to the drawer and regaining some vertical space was met with positive feedback and consequently implemented.