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To begin this project, I listened to insights gathered from the user research team. I learned that users struggled to decide which options allowed them to complete their current task. I found that GLS had competitors like FedEx and DHL, who provided their user's shortcuts to complete commons tasks like scanning an incoming delivery.
User Takeaways
I went to the whiteboard to visualize the five most common tasks a user of our app would need to complete. The first three cases fall under Direct Logistics, from the truck to the customer. The last two cases fall under Inverse Logistics, a return from the customer to the truck.
I reviewed the five cases with the engineering team and discovered that the system could infer which task the user would need to complete based off the barcode on the package.
• Reduced the number of taps from 19 to just 6 in the most popular case (use case 1).
• The average time of each of the five tasks decreased by 4X.
After understanding the pain points from the current version of the app, we sat down as a team to create a paper prototype. To generate design ideas, we collaborated on a crazy eight session where we all shared our ideas for the improved interface. We combined these ideas into a paper prototype. We then conducted usability tests before I moved onto, creating a medium-fidelity prototype. We tested this prototype with Spanish speakers who had familiarity with the existing app and with English speakers who were our target users. Finally, I created a high-fidelity prototype that went through another round of testing.
The most significant improvement of our redesign was bringing the user closest to the task they need to accomplish. In our improved app, the user can scan packages immediately, and the app provides the user with feedback that their information was recorded. Below, I show use case 2, handing a package to a customer.
The store owners scans the customers QR code. If it fails the store owner can enter the code manually.
Then hands the device to the customer to sign for the package
In consideration of consistency, we used the same colors as GLS, blue, and yellow. Blue is used to draw attention towards an action such as scanning, and yellow is for buttons that complete a step. Because yellow complements blue, it serves as a compelling call to action.
Bring users closer to what they came for.
We learned to consistently keep the user’s needs in mind. When one begins the design process they may want to include a plethora of features. However it’s important to have the user’s most vital goals in mind and bring those solutions closest to the user.
Adapt to each users unique needs.
Even though we have a user persona for this projects is it important to keep in mind that every user is unique. Large parcel-shops have different requirements than smaller shops. Experienced user’s needs differ then that of a novice. It is important to provide flexibility in design so that everyone’s needs are included.
Communicating with Engineers to ensure designs are feasible.
Practice to have an open relationship with engineers and constantly keep them in mind aswell as the user. Make sure that the client is happy with the outcome and their goals are taken into consideration.
After earning a computer science degree, I worked as a Software Engineer for NexHealth. There, I developed full-stack apps using JavaScript frameworks and HTML/CSS. My engineering experience allows me to design wireframes and prototypes that are viable and feasible.
I left Nexhealth after six months to study UX design in Barcelona. There I collaborated with designers and interviewed people from diverse backgrounds to learn how prototypes can be usable and aesthetically appealing. I've since had the opportunity to work as a freelance UX Designer for GLS, A European logistics company.
Dovid showed initiative and tremendous logical ability in rebuilding our existing UI/UX architecture, which reduced our minimum user clicks from nineteen to six. He proved to be an empathetic leader with an uncanny ability to understand the needs of the engineering team.
‘Remarkably efficient’ is the phrase that comes to mind when I think about Dovid. I hired Dovid to update my website and maintain my Gallery. He successfully updated my two websites and rapidly designed incredible prototypes!
Dovid is a rare blend of technical expertise with business understanding. He brings his innate curiosity and problem solving to each task, continuously probing and redefining the problem until he reaches the ideal solution. Dovid is a pleasure to work with and the output speaks for itself.
The designs Dovid crafted are top-notch, and the design system he integrated allows for straightforward fixes and bulk updates throughout every area of the app. I'm looking forward to hire him on upcoming projects. Highly recommended!
