1 Spatial

Final project outcome.

Introduction

1spatial is a leading geospatial data management and master data management provider. The project was to help deliver a project for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), supporting 1spatial as their UX/UI research and design partner. The project was to redesign an application that manages aeronautical information for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

The Challenge

The current application was originally developed by 1spatial some 25 years ago. New versions of the application were periodically released to offer additional functionality within the parameters of the original interface design and information architecture. With the passage of time, the need arose to have a fresh look at the objectives of the application, its technology and visualisation of the application’s information so that users would be able to use the application as efficiently as possible

The Objective

The objective was to design a modern interface in line with UX/UI best practices and to deliver design system foundations to inform future design and development of the application. The success metrics for this project included performance improvements (50% speed increase), compliance with ISO 9241-210: Human-centred design for interactive systems, and compliance with WCAG (minimum AA 2.1) accessibility standards.

Project Definition

Review existing material & insight
Kick off with client/working group
Stakeholder interviews
User observations
Creation of user personas
User journey mapping
Information architecture
Wireframes
Usability test wireframes
UI concepts
Style guide

Roles & Responsibilities

I was involved in the project from conception through to completion. I supported the Senior UX Researcher for the first half of the project who led the workshop, interviews and persona work. I then led the project from the information architecture stage through to wireframing and UI development, with the Senior UX Researcher providing support.

User Observations/Interviews

Objectives:

Understand and validate the editor and authoriser workflows
Identify and validate their behaviours, needs and pain points
Explore and uncover wants and needs for the new editor
Resolve outstanding questions surrounding roles, use and requirements

Recommendations:

Standardise the way input and checking are represented
Setting rules around tooltips
Consider how to incorporate visual checks
Implement improved window structure (to support multiple windows)
Create a design system that negates user error
Save as often a possible
Apply the same level of user research to other areas

Information Architecture

Mid Fidelity Wireframes

Usability testing

Objectives

Assess how intuitive users find the navigation and content structure
Identify any areas that are unclear or require improvements
Assess the ease and intuitiveness of completing key actions

Overarching Themes

In general, positive feedback was received with some areas of optimisation required
Some key areas of improvement have been identified; search features, icons, visualisations and calculator
New concepts for the user to understand and navigate
External considerations outside the system, such as the migration from paper and whiteboards to computer, meaning extra screens will be required
UI to reflect brand identity

Recommendations

Consider requirements external to the system (need for additional screens)
Increase clarity of icons in the main navigation e.g. size or text prompts, any changes would be incorporated into the 1spatial design system
Consider principles of the side navigation to support understanding (visualisation not expected to relate to a specific form)
Use colour to provide identification on what has been changed
Consider adding function to view rather than download files to the backlog (need should be reviewed following usage uptake)
Add visual cue to the timeslice to show if it has been modified
Discuss the ability to open the visualisation alongside the data entry screen

Two UI concepts were then proposed to the client to review which reflected 1spatial’s brand identify. A style guide was created housing key design principles and elements such as colour, typography etc.
Legibility, clarity and ease of use were prioritised in the UI designs. This ensured that nothing extraneous was designed which distracted from the objectives and functionality of the application, and would have more longevity from a visual perspective.

Business Impact/Results

"The team helped us achieve a better understanding of the users and the context of use for the new system. A user-centred approach added meaning to a set of original vague requirements and provided the basis to be able to design, in detail, the application. This gave the customer substantial confidence that they were getting what they wanted and needed.”

Terry Child, Product Manager at 1Spatial.

1SPATIAL