Redesign, product development and addition of high-impact feature.
Overview
Zmorph Hub is an easy-to-use web platform for remote printers' support. It allows communicating with one or many 3D printers. Features like making a files queue, checking machines parameters, prints preview via camera, and remote controlling, bring the work supervision to a whole new level.
Problem
Early stage of Product Development. The visual part needed to be structured. Adding planned features and designing how they work wasn’t clear and easy at the beginning. The product needed general improvement in terms of UX /UI Design to provide intuitive and user-friendly product.
Solution
User-centered approach
UI Design Improvement
Usability Tests
My Role & Responsibilities
UX/UI Designer: Users Advocacy, Visual Design, 3D Printing Expertise, Usability Tests
Team
Product Manager
Junior Product Manager
UX / UI Designer
Product Specialist
Development Team
BEFORE
AFTER
HOW IT STARTED
I joined the project when it had already begun. I had to adapt to its form and UI Design prepared by a graphic designer. The first weeks were about getting acquainted with the product, roadmap, and team working style. Soon, I was able to start working on the product functionality with the Product Development Team. I also brought expert knowledge to the project because I had previous experience with 3D printing and had used the products offered by the company, which was helpful in identifying pain points.
LIMITED TO THE MINIMUM
The product development was limited by the budget. It was supposed to cover the costs of implementing the MVP version. The company wanted to find out whether the product meets the customer's needs.
IMPROVING UI DESIGN
One of the planned stages of the project was UI Design improvement. Working on this part was a pleasure, and I am satisfied with the result. Check out my proposal.
NEW UI DESIGN
EXPECTATION vs REALITY
Unfortunately, the proposed UI Design has never been implemented because of time and budget limitations. The only thing that could be changed was navbar and printer icon. But it was enough to bring a nice touch to the design at that moment. Transferring the navigation from the top to the left-hand side was also a smart move. This form not only looked better but also gave a possibility to add more sections in the future.
BEFORE
AFTER
USABILITY TEST
Closing the first version of the project was the perfect opportunity for the usability test. The test was conducted in a group of 6 people. It consisted of tasks, open questions, SUS and CES surveys. Users reactions and actions performed during the tests were recorded and analyzed later. Because it was the first usability test I carried out, I wanted to see if my conclusions were right, so I asked two more employees for additional analysis, using the AEIOU framework. The additional work included the evaluation of how the test was conducted, including moderation, tone of voice, or way of asking the questions. I was open to any suggestions and prepared the list of improvements for the future.
ADDED VALUE OF THE TEST
Collecting the feedback and drawing conclusions weren’t my only purpose. I wanted to convince the organization that tests are essential during the product development process. Also, I wanted to show that the project is heading in the right direction, and it’s worth further investments. I send the report to the management and few days later I was asked to prepare the wider tests. The financial director understood that this type of data could be the basis for applying for funding.
IMPACT
The basic product sold by the company were 3D printers. Zmorph Hub enabled seamless management of large number of machines.
When 3D printers are working they need to be monitored. Software made it possible to remotely observe their work using a camera mounted inside the printing chamber. If something goes wrong, the operator can stop printing using the software. It is possible to start the printing in the same way. There is no need to be in the same place as 3D printer. The program allows monitoring the status of spare parts and order them in time for replacement.
Such software adds value to the physical product and may influence the purchase decision. This can also lead to buying multiple machines from one manufacturer.
CONCLUSIONS
Tests and user interviews are crucial in every project. This stage of a design process not only verifies the design assumptions. Users often give the solutions for the issues they had during the test.
It’s a great value for the whole process.