FST - An IOT application to remotely monitor, control and manage dewatering pumps
Field Smart Technologies (FST) is an IoT web application for industrial water pump management. It faced usability issues but a redesign prioritized mobile usability, reduced API calls, and improved overall user experience.
Product info
Field Smart Technologies (FST) is an IoT web application designed to
empower users in remotely controlling, monitoring, and managing
industrial-grade water pumps deployed in environments such as mines and
flood-prone regions. Additionally, it offers ERP functionalities for
efficient asset management and scheduling maintenance. Furthermore, it
outlines plans to incorporate predictive analysis and other innovative
features in its future updates.
Role
UX Designer
Voice of Customer / Information architecture /
Interaction design / Wireframe, Prototyping and
Testing / Visual Design
Project info and background
FST, launched three years ago, faced usability issues during
growth, prompting stakeholder focus on improvement.
FST, an application initiated three years ago, has
persistently catered to its customers and users. This project
stemmed from stakeholders' initiative to enhance and modernize
the application to meet current standards. Initially, the
introduction of the application garnered success, as it
offered novelty to customers who integrated it into their
daily routines. However, as the application transitioned into
a growth phase, it encountered significant challenges due to
usability issues, resulting in dissatisfaction among users.
Recognizing the importance of user feedback, stakeholders
prioritized improving the application's usability. This focus
on enhancing user experience became pivotal in addressing the
application's shortcomings and ensuring its continued
relevance in the market.
Issues with an application's performance and user experience
The application's sluggish performance and frustrating user experience impede its suitability for an IoT application requiring speed and ease of use.
User Feedbacks
- "Ease of use and accuracy are lacking in the speed control functionality."
- "The system's reliability is still unreliable and inconsistent."
- "A one-minute delay poses challenges for applications requiring real-time responsiveness."
- "Using the desktop version is preferred, as the mobile interface proves challenging."
User frustration due to design flaws and slow loading times prompted the need for a redesign.
Solution design
Based on the Voice of Customer feedback, it became evident that users encountered frustration while using the application, largely attributed to its design flaws. Specifically, users were required to search for the device name in each section, resulting in delayed screen loading times. This delay was exacerbated by the application's retrieval of all 10,000+ devices with each search query, causing significant wait times and further aggravating user frustration. Additionally, users experienced heightened frustration when accessing the application in areas with poor network connectivity on their mobile devices. These challenges served as the primary motivation to improve the design for a smoother user experience.
Information architecture
IA FST 2017
IA FST 2020
Design
Redesign prioritizes mobile usability, reduces API calls, and scales up for large screens, enhancing overall user experience.
The proposed redesign incorporates a new information architecture aimed at reducing the frequency of API calls and searches, resulting in a substantial enhancement of the application's usability. Beginning with a mobile-first approach, the new design was systematically scaled up to accommodate large-screen devices. This strategic approach not only optimizes the user experience across various device sizes but also ensures efficient functionality by minimizing unnecessary data retrieval processes. As a result, users can navigate the application more seamlessly, experiencing faster load times and smoother interactions. By prioritizing mobile usability and progressively enhancing usability for larger screens, the new design demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to user interface development, ultimately enhancing accessibility and user satisfaction.
Validating Design
I conducted usability testing on the new design, where candidates used the application in their natural work settings. I observed their responses to various assigned tasks. Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, noting the ease of searching and navigating devices, which significantly saved time.
Results and key take aways
With the introduction of the new FST, there has been a noticeable shift towards mobile usage, with users abandoning laptops due to the application's enhanced mobile usability, allowing for easier monitoring of multiple pumps.
Some take ways from this project are
- Information architecture is vital and enhances site navigation and reduces loops.
- Better organization leads to less complex design.
- New designs introduce new issues.
- User feedback drives design and application improvements.