In this case study, I use my previous experience in commercial construction to view the construction industry with a new perspective. I set the goal to redesign the site management experience for General Contractors in order to increase project profitability.
For last 20 years, the construction industry’s labor productivity has remained stagnant relative to its peers. The advancement of technology, lean principles, and automation is pushing productivity in adjacent industries, but why does construction continue to lag behind?
50-year Average Annual Growth Rate by Industry (Global)
After the user interviews, I conducted my own research on how construction professionals are using their time, being that hours are the input to the measurement of labor productivity.
With the insight obtained from my research, I created a user persona that represents the core attributes of a superintendent, my primary user.
With the perspective I gained from my research, I decided on the key features that could best address the top frustrations with site management. I took these key features and conducted a competitor analysis in order to identify gaps in the current solutions, and understand where Formwork could best distinguish itself.
After selecting my key features to further develop, I created a task flow Diagram illustrating the different pages, user inputs, and system decisions involved with the task.
I began wireframing the screens identified in my task flow diagram associated with completing the task, while keeping my key features in consideration.
I created a prototype using wireframes and conducted user testing to get early feedback before investing additional time into into my current design. During the test, I observed each user as they utilized the prototype to complete each task. Tasks that could not be completed without intervention were recorded.
User’s preferred a calendar on the home screen in lieu of the gantt chart as it more familiar reference and can be used to communicate high priority items like milestones, site status, or inspections
Users expressed their concerns with the readability and usability of the gantt chart at its current size on the screen. I decreased redundant information on the screen and increased the usability of the Gantt Chart.
I wanted to pick a brand name that had a deeper meaning, but also relative to the construction industry. I decided on formwork because the product of formwork is concrete, one the strongest building materials in the world. Without the time spent building and planning your formwork, your concrete pour will not be successful. Our product provides the formwork for a successful project.
I chose blue for my primary color because of the trustworthy, safe, and relaxed emotions associated with the color. These emotions correlate with the goals, and motivations of the target user.
I chose yellow as the secondary color because of its relevance to the industry. Personal protective equipment and heavy machinery like cranes and bulldozers share a yellow finish.
I applied a marketing strategy inspired by industry competitors, but applied a minimalist design that eludes to Formwork's human centered, refined approached to site managment.
