Mobile Inventory Tracker (M.I.T)
UI/UX Designer Co-lead
Public Sector Technology
Figma, Miro, MS Office Suite
10
Los Angeles County currently lacks an efficient and centralized system for tracking their laptops. This results in manual processes for recording laptop locations, handoffs, and associated costs, leading to potential inaccuracies, wasted time, and a lack of transparency.
M.I.T. is a mobile application designed for DTD administrators and warehouse workers to streamline the laptop management process, from receiving shipments to distributing them to recipients.
User Persona
We identified the application's core user groups, including warehouse workers, DTD administrators, supervisors, and non-technical users. Through user persona development, we created detailed profiles outlining each user group's needs, goals, and pain points.
Competitive Analysis
We conducted a thorough competitive analysis, identifying existing inventory management and shipping applications. By evaluating available solutions, we determined their strengths and limitations, ensuring M.I.T. offered a unique and valuable user experience.
Scenario Mapping & User Storyboards
Based on user personas, we developed user scenarios and storyboards to visualize user interactions with the application. This provided valuable insights into the user journey and helped us design an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
Collabrative Sketching Session
We fostered a collaborative and creative environment through sketching sessions. Each team member (including myself and the other co-lead) participated by presenting their initial ideas for the application's layout and visual elements. This "brainstorming on paper" approach allowed everyone to contribute their unique design perspectives.
Following the sketching sessions, we reviewed all the ideas collectively. By focusing on the strengths of each design, we identified promising elements and features to incorporate into the final application.
Tight deadlines demanded efficiency. I implemented a task division by page and fostered a supportive mentor-mentee environment within the design team to empower newer designers. I led weekly Figma workshops, addressingfunctionalities and concerns. Our collaborative effort resulted in a pre-built UI component library, ensuring consistency and accelerating the wireframing process.
Unintended User Flow
Users bypassed the scan icon in the navigation bar and accessed scan history directly through a "view history" button on the home page.
Unfamiliarity with Mobile Inventory Apps
Users unfamiliar with mobile inventory apps found the design confusing, requiring a more intuitive interface.
Improved Scan Workflow
Based on user feedback, we streamlined the scanning process. Users now access scan history and various scanning options directly on the main page, bypassing unnecessary navigation steps. This resulted in a 50% increase in scanning productivity.
New User Focus
To improve usability for those unfamiliar with mobile inventory apps, we simplified navigation icons and included text, streamlined scanning workflows, and included in-app tutorials. This ensures a smoother experience for everyone.
Enhanced Flagged Laptop Identification
In response to user feedback, we improved the visibility of flagged laptops on the summary page. Now, flagged laptops are visually separated from non-flagged ones. This allows users to quickly identify them, boosting workflow efficiency.
Iteractive Design
To facilitate a smooth development workflow, we adopted a phased design handover approach. We initially provided the developer lead with the wireframes. This enabled them to start planning the application's backend structure and defining the necessary data fields.
Once the high-fidelity prototypes were finalized, the development team could focus on integrating the UI elements (visual design) on top of the already established functional core. This approach streamlined the development process and ensured efficient utilization of time and resources.
The initial team size of 15 members, including myself, fluctuated due to unforeseen circumstances. This challenged us to adapt by redistributing tasks efficiently, leveraging each team member's strengths to ensure progress with our team of 9 designers.
Built an inclusive, learning-focused team. Rewarding to see everyone contribute to design, even newcomers.
Project expanded my skillset through hands-on design, research, and development. Gained invaluable real-world knowledge.
Effectively managing client/stakeholder expectations was a crucial learning experience. I learned the importance of assertiveness in managing scope creep by politely declining additions that could potentially derail the project timeline.