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Surveyor's Tool
Project type
Mobile App redesign
Role
UX Designer and User Researcher
Date
2020-2022
I led the redesign of a software tool used by engineers to design optical fiber networks for offices and apartment buildings. The new tool is optimized for cross-platform use on desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones.
Building Survey Process
THE ENGINEER'S WORKFLOW
The engineer conducts on-site building surveys to determine the optimal location for all internal and external equipment and to plan the necessary construction work. A significant part of the role involves negotiating the scope of work with the building manager.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
During the survey, the engineer captures images, annotates existing floorplans and street maps, and sketches equipment layouts. This documentation is later compiled into a final design document for stakeholder approval. They are also responsible for applying for city work permits.
The engineer conducts on-site building surveys to determine the optimal location for all internal and external equipment and to plan the necessary construction work. A significant part of the role involves negotiating the scope of work with the building manager.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES
During the survey, the engineer captures images, annotates existing floorplans and street maps, and sketches equipment layouts. This documentation is later compiled into a final design document for stakeholder approval. They are also responsible for applying for city work permits.
Context of Work
The engineer is highly mobile, working both inside and outside the building, often carrying equipment and documents.
Approximately 90% of their time on site is dedicated to discussion and negotiation, with only 10% spent on note-taking, which occurs in short bursts of less than 30 seconds. This critical insight highlighted the need for a simple and efficient note-taking interface. Surveys typically last between 15 minutes and two hours. The final documentation is completed back at the office on a desktop computer.
Approximately 90% of their time on site is dedicated to discussion and negotiation, with only 10% spent on note-taking, which occurs in short bursts of less than 30 seconds. This critical insight highlighted the need for a simple and efficient note-taking interface. Surveys typically last between 15 minutes and two hours. The final documentation is completed back at the office on a desktop computer.
Key Points of Interest
The survey identifies the location and status (existing or new build) of the following critical elements:
1. Point of Feed (POF)
2. Point of Entry (POE)
3. Main Distribution Room (MDF)
4. Secondary Distribution Rooms (IDF)
5. Apartments and Offices
6. Cable routes connecting the Point of Feed to all apartments and offices.
1. Point of Feed (POF)
2. Point of Entry (POE)
3. Main Distribution Room (MDF)
4. Secondary Distribution Rooms (IDF)
5. Apartments and Offices
6. Cable routes connecting the Point of Feed to all apartments and offices.
User Research
The user research phase was a great experience. I traveled to various cities and spent considerable time with surveyors and designers, observing their work firsthand (and sharing many meals).
Tablet
INTERFACE
Side panels are hidden by default, sliding in when activated.
PLACEMENT ACCURACY
A target tool is fixed at the center of the screen, guiding the eye for object placement. Panning and zooming only affect the map. The user pans and zooms the map until the target aligns with the desired location, then selects the object from the side menu. This design successfully eliminates common placement errors.
Side panels are hidden by default, sliding in when activated.
PLACEMENT ACCURACY
A target tool is fixed at the center of the screen, guiding the eye for object placement. Panning and zooming only affect the map. The user pans and zooms the map until the target aligns with the desired location, then selects the object from the side menu. This design successfully eliminates common placement errors.
Smartphone
INTERFACE
Side panels are hidden by default to maximize screen space.
TOOL NAVIGATION
Tools are organized into a two-level navigation hierarchy. For example, adding an MDF requires first selecting the general "Punch out" tool, which then displays a secondary set of tools, allowing the user to select the MDF object.
Side panels are hidden by default to maximize screen space.
TOOL NAVIGATION
Tools are organized into a two-level navigation hierarchy. For example, adding an MDF requires first selecting the general "Punch out" tool, which then displays a secondary set of tools, allowing the user to select the MDF object.
Desktop
INTERFACE
Side panels are visible by default.
OBJECT PLACEMENT
Users select an object from the side menu and use the mouse to place it directly on the map.
LINEAR DRAWING
For linear objects (e.g., lines, walls, routes), the user draws a polygon by clicking multiple times on the map.
PROPERTIES
Object properties are immediately displayed in the right side panel.
Side panels are visible by default.
OBJECT PLACEMENT
Users select an object from the side menu and use the mouse to place it directly on the map.
LINEAR DRAWING
For linear objects (e.g., lines, walls, routes), the user draws a polygon by clicking multiple times on the map.
PROPERTIES
Object properties are immediately displayed in the right side panel.
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