Project Overview
The construction industry has been hit hard by Covid-19, causing disruptions to many projects and relying heavily on paper-based workflows. With numerous simultaneous workflows and elements involved in construction projects, managing and qualifying suppliers during the bidding process can be an arduous task that takes hours of manual effort.
We offer a cloud-based platform for construction companies, project owners, and suppliers to collaborate, plan, schedule, and track bids and deliveries across multiple projects, saving significant time and enabling a paperless future.
Industry
Engineering, Construction
Duration
2021 - 2022
Target Users
Engineers, Project Managers/Owners, Suppliers
Role
I was the lead UX designer for this project. My responsibilities included gathering requirements, conducting UX analysis (flows and personas), managing and conducting reviews for wireframing, and guiding the UI team in creating visual designs.
Our project aims to significantly enhance bid management, leading to higher levels of engagement and seamless project management. Currently, there are products in the market that can manage bids and projects, but a consolidated solution is yet to be available because
The project owners need to
1. Effectively manage project bids
2. Plan, schedule and track the progress of bids
3. Have a consolidated view of all bids to compare and award suppliers
4. Generate and Track Purchase Orders
5. Have a detailed project timeline with the status of each element and bids
The suppliers need to
1. Get their position in each bid stage
2. Option to decline the bid award and purchase order
3. Participate in bids without quoting for all elements
As newcomers to the industry, we faced a challenging task. We began by researching the industry and its processes, as well as analyzing available products in the market.
DISCOVER: Competitive Analysis
We couldn't find products that offer a complete solution for users' needs. However, as the UX team, we analyzed some platforms commonly used for bid and project management.
UX Comparison
Features Comparison
DISCOVER & IDEATE: Journey Map
It is important to visualize the user's journey when managing a bid and project to develop the best solution. We mapped the experience based on secondary research and insights from construction company representatives.
PS: We encountered difficulties while plotting user actions in each phase, so we consulted with users and iterated the journey map accordingly.
Persona representation of sample user group
Journey map of the above-given persona. The UX team constructed the journey map with the Project Manager and Architect involved
IDEATE: Task Flows
Journey maps helped us uncover users’ pain points and emotions at different stages. To consider how content connects to accomplish primary goals, we defined task flows that ensure clear and intuitive navigation for a better user experience.
PS: When defining the task flow, we went back to the users for clarification. Based on their input, we adjusted the journey maps and task flows accordingly.
The UX team, UI Designer, Project Manager and Architect conducted it.
Using Axure RP 9, based on the journey maps and task flows, we created wireframes for all scenarios as low-fidelity prototypes. Internal discussions and modifications were made as the other team member did the initial sketches and most screens. As a Lead Designer, I did the regular wireframe reviews.
Home screen - Search & Find bids
Create new bid - Entering basic details
Create new bid - Entering quote details
Create new bid - Selecting suppliers
Bid Detailed view with supplier quotes
Supplier shortlisting
Bid Awarding
Purchase Orders
Project - Timeline view
Project - Elements Delivery & Bid Status
Since it was our first time working with the construction industry, we tested our low-fi prototypes with users. However, their initial feedback was not as expected. Users had doubts and issues while viewing the project management screen, and there needed to be more clarity in creating and tracking bids to plan a project.
We had to revisit the user journey maps, have another conversation with users, redefine task flows, and rework wireframes before moving on to version 3.
Learning a new industry process can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. Our project is still in progress, with ongoing development of concepts and functionalities after initial wireframes and user testing. Our targeted launch is at the end of 2023.
