Experience Design
Tools Used
The Problem
The extended simulation time is leading to delays in projects.
High Simulation Time = Delayed Project
Goal
Reduce friction in creating simulations
Design Process
From Ambiguity
To Clarity
Scoping
Establish project goals
Stakeholder Research
Identify Milestones
Discovery
Benchmark existing tools
User Research
Create Personas
Analysis
Map Customer Journeys
Identify User Needs & Pain points
Design
Create UX wireframes
Iterate design based on feedback
Testing
Test Prototypes
A/B testing
Enquiry #1
What is a simulation?
Enquiry #2
What are the Tools Used?
The next step was to understand the tools of the trade.
However, the professional nature of the softwares and licensing issues made it difficult to conduct secondary research. To get a thorough understanding, we relied on walkthroughs from direct users of these tools such as simulation engineers, 3D Mechatronic Designers & Analysts.
Initial Observations
High Manual Effort
Hidden Code Structure
Difficulty in Collaboration
Enquiry #3
Who are the Users Involved?
User Interviews
The agenda of these interviews was to understand user's roles, responsibilities, preferences, challenges and work practices
15 participants
10 roles
~2 weeks
Personas
From the insights gathered from the inerviews, 4 personas types emerged -
Ideators | Optimizers | Simulators | Implementors
Pain Points
Fragmented usage of tools
Trouble gathering customer data
Delays due to manual work/rework
Dependency on Specialists for concepts
Error Identification is difficult in Python
High Learning Curve
Inter-dependencies between teams due to Skill-Gap
Amanda, Solution Consultant
Conducts simulation analysis,
but can't create simulations
Jacob, Simulation Engineer
Creates simulations &
Conducts simulation analysis
Amanda, Solution Consultant
Aspires to create simulations autonomously, doesn't know coding
How Might We
Empower Solution Consultants to create simulations autonomously?
Opportunities
Simplified Template
Standardized Models
Plug and play
Smart Effor Handling
Multi-format reporting
Pre-defined logic
UX Concepts
After establishing the experience levers and aligning with the business objectives, we got back to our boards to create some sketches and Lo-fi wireframes to discuss our ideas with the stakeholders and prospective users.
Iteration 1
Module Plug-&-Play
User Feedback
Streamlined workflow
interactive interface
Easy to input complex data
Interdependent steps, causing roadblocks
Complex Navigation
3D interface looks complex
Iteration 2
Standardised Templates
User Feedback
Multiple starting points
Improved Navigation
Easy input with templates
Analysis too complex
Need deeper insights
Need to customise inputs
Final Solution
Impact
The fresh UI and streamlined workflows will be used autonomously by Solution consultants, reducing Simulation Designers' workload by over 40%.
Theses designs also became a catalyst for a wave of fresh change within the organization, triggering conversations and research around outdated tools and practices - encouraging more teams to audit their processes, conduct usability and heuristic analysis.
Learnings
Solve for those with the need, even if they don't have the skills
By prioritizing user needs over assumed skill levels, we can create products that are more accessible, efficient, and enjoyable. The goal is to design for empowerment—enabling users to achieve their objectives seamlessly, regardless of their expertise.4o
Adaptability: Be Prepared to Start Fresh
In complex projects, unexpected challenges may require pivoting. Being flexible and ready to restart when necessary ensures that the final design is robust and aligned with user needs.
Clarifying Ambiguity: Leverage Assumptions Effectively
When faced with unclear requirements, making informed assumptions helps move the project forward. These assumptions can later be validated, ensuring progress without getting stuck in uncertainty.