Work
Logistics Movement Request
It's a comprehensive freight management solution that provides end-to-end tracking allowing business to streamline their logistics workflow and ensure timely deliveries.
Info
Role
UX Designer
Team
1 Product Owner
1 Product Manager
3 Engineers
1 Business Analyst
1 UX Designer
A Logistics Movement Request is created to ship packages that have arrived at the distribution center to the respective receiver's locations. The easy access to package details and a simplified unpacking process ensures efficient and timely delivery of packages to their intended recipients.
Duration
8 Months
We used agile practices like iterative design, user testing, and continuous feedback to deliver a high-quality and efficient design. Weekly client review cadence and early developer involvement helped me meet the tight deadline while incorporating actionable feedback at each stage of the process.
Overview
Problem
How might we streamline the package management process at the distribution center to eliminate manual tracking and communication via email, reduce the risk of missed items, and prevent additional shipping fees for late shipments?
Outcome
Optimized package management at the Distribution Center with a user-friendly system that enables easy access to packages, provides responsive search and tracking, allows for package splitting and consolidation, and automates data storage for efficient request creation.
For logistics management, it can be challenging to keep track of the packages and emails that have been unpacked and repackaged to create new packages.
Logistics Movement Requests led to
60%
46.67%
72%
50.88%
Increase in the number of requests processed per week.
Reduction in time to create a new request.
Reduction in errors while processing the request.
Increase in user satisfaction score.
From Excel Sheets to Express Deliveries
Packages arrive at Distribution Center and are transported to their final destination. Tracking was done via weekly excel sheets and email communication, which was time-consuming and had a risk of missing items and incurring additional fees for late shipments.
Ensuring Packages are on Track and Stakeholders are Intact
The LMR should provide seamless connections among stakeholders and serve as a central repository for all data. At any time, all of the information should be available. The user should be aware of where the package is at all times during the journey.
User Journey Map
Through the user journey map, we discovered that the current package tracking process using excel sheets and email communication was perceived as tedious and time-consuming by users. Users also reported a considerable risk of items being missed, resulting in additional fees for shipping parcels later.
Process
Archetypes
By creating archetypes, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the different types of users and their needs, allowing me to design solutions that cater to their specific requirements, resulting in a more personalized and effective user experience.
Opprtunity Areas
I initiated the process by gathering insights from diverse stakeholders about their journey, creating personas, and identifying crucial themes for exploration to develop optimal solutions for the users.
Navigating State Flow
Determined to make the new LMR-MVP feature work the way the business wants, we conducted 4 rounds of user testing with iterations based on feedback — and state flow proved crucial as we conducted this testing.
Giving structure to state flows
By implementing interventions, the product's required structure and hierarchy between different offerings became clear. To ensure a smooth development process, I involved a developer from the architecture phase to identify any potential tech constraints early on.
MVP
Cracking the Package Puzzle
Keeping track of the weight and dimensions of packages could be more complex than it seems. While creating a request, the user can add or adjust both, so the numbers could fluctuate. Once all the packages are added the number is totaled. However, We did not want the transport service provider or Logistics service provider to miss out on these details so we created package labels that would be auto-generated once all the information was filled.
1. Creating a New Request
It's a pain to re-enter all of the information from the prior request. The majority of the data is stored from earlier requests, and the user must be able to pick and fill in all of the information again.
Address book option
Pre-filled option
2. Access to Packages
It is difficult to track down packages, and it is much more difficult to recall which packages were divided. We decided to create a system that would allow you to perform a responsive search for the package number, divide the packages, and add new ones, and the system would keep track of it all and hold the remainder of the packages for the next LMR.
Split and add packages
LMR refrenced in the CMR
3. Unpacking
Packages could be shipped further to different distribution centers and moved forward for consolidation or the owner might come to pick it up. The option of splitting the packages to different states needed to be provided.
Action to Unpack
State change in CMR after unpacking LMR
Measuring Impact
To measure the impact of the product, we used a combination of quantitative and qualitative data. We tracked user engagement metrics such as the number of requests created, the time taken to complete a request, and user feedback through surveys and interviews. We also monitored any changes in the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the logistics process after implementing the product.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the project outcomes
I found immense joy and fulfillment in the process. The co-creation sessions provided valuable insights into the research process while learning from experienced industry mentors was truly inspiring. It was a rewarding experience that broadened my horizons and allowed me to explore the realms of research and design with passion and enthusiasm.
01
Teamwork makes the dreamwork
I have learned that collaboration and communication are fundamental to the success of any project, particularly when working with cross-functional teams. It is essential to establish clear goals and expectations, maintain open lines of communication, and collaborate effectively to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
02
Iterate, Prioritize, and Measure
I realized the importance of constantly iterating and seeking feedback from stakeholders to ensure that we were on the right track. I also learned to prioritize and focus on the most critical features while keeping the user's needs at the forefront of the decision-making process. I discovered the power of data-driven insights in making informed design decisions and measuring the impact of our solutions.