FuelX ERP
My responsibilities
Usability audit UI/UX design Visual QA
Team
UX lead Business analyst Front-end developer
Industries
Logistics Fintech B2B
Client
Q4 Fuel Fintec Labs
Date
August 2020
Project overview
The project started as a bootstrapped, spreadsheet app with a database that created a rudimentary, automated UI. In time it evolved into a more robust ERP tool with three Fintec Labs developers building a scheduler and dashboard. I was asked to join the team to take the lead with the interface design of the next iteration and help optimise the user experience.
Problem statement
The existing UI had usability issues and lacked visual refinement. A redesigned interface was required to improve the user experience and workflow. The purpose of the project was to make the ERP app easier to navigate and speed up the workflow of Q4 Fuel’s personnel. As the existing UI was bootstrapped by the developers, it had a fragmented visual language and flagrant usability problems. My goal was to improve the UI/UX and collaborate with the dev team to implement the redesign accurately.
Dashboard redesign
I redesigned the existing dashboard, resolving its usability issues and expanding its functionality. The tab structure and data table were retained as display methods, because they were suitable for the type of data. To enhance the usability of the various status columns (order, fleet, payment) I created a set of unique icons with a handy icon key above the table so that the scheduling managers could reference it easily. We also added a right-click menu that allowed users to quickly assign a new status to an order.
Scheduler redesign
The most challenging and rewarding stage of the redesign was the scheduler. I managed to simplify the interface while adding functionality in the process. I applied the new colour scheme and typographic system to unify the aesthetics of the interface. A big challenge was resolving the wasted space and optimising the data-ink ratio. In the end I managed to create a cleaner-looking UI that made the daily tasks of the users easier and faster to execute.
Project outcomes
The new FuelX app delighted the client, improved their efficiency and reduced working capital required. Their workflow speed increased fourfold with a 25% reduction in working capital required. I really enjoyed working with the developers and being able to refine the front end through regular visual QA. In hindsight, I would have insisted on meeting with the administrators of Q4 and doing some user research to find out their most salient problems first-hand.
Client feedback
“What took me a whole day to do I could complete in 2 hours in the app.”
Q4 Fuel Logistics Manager