Information Architecture:

• Define core modules: Dashboard, Equipment Log, Maintenance Planner, Reports, and Alerts.

• Structure the navigation to ensure minimal clicks to access frequently used features.

Wireframing:

• Start with low-fidelity wireframes to conceptualize layouts.

• Example:

  • Dashboard: Displays real-time equipment availability, recent usage logs, and critical alerts.

  • Equipment Log: Provides a search/filter interface to find specific equipment and view usage history.

  • Maintenance Planner: A calendar view with upcoming maintenance tasks.

• Iterate wireframes based on feedback from stakeholders.

Usability Testing:

• Use prototypes to test workflows with R&D staff.

• Focus on:

  • Ease of data entry (e.g., auto-populating fields for frequent users).

  • Intuitive search/filter options for large equipment inventories.

  • Seamless navigation between modules.

Visual Design Principles:

• Consistency: Use a cohesive design system with standardized buttons, icons, and typography.

• Clarity: Leverage white space and clear labels to reduce cognitive load.

• Accessibility: Ensure color contrast, scalable fonts, and keyboard navigation for inclusivity.

Design Components:

• Dashboard:

  • Highlight KPIs: Total equipment usage hours, downtime percentage, upcoming maintenance tasks.

  • Use visual elements like charts, progress bars, and alerts.

• Equipment Log:

  • Include a table layout with sortable columns (e.g., equipment ID, status, last used).

  • Provide a QR code scanner for quick equipment identification.

• Maintenance Planner:

  • Calendar interface with color-coded maintenance statuses (e.g., pending, overdue).

• Reports Module:

  • Export options for PDF/Excel with customizable date ranges and parameters.

Style Guide:

• Color Palette: Use distinct colors for alerts (e.g., red for overdue maintenance, green for available equipment).

• Icons: Use recognizable icons for actions like search, edit, and delete.

• Typography: Utilize sans-serif fonts for a modern, clean appearance.

Responsive Design:

• Design for scalability across devices:

  • Mobile: Focus on quick actions and streamlined interfaces.

  • Desktop: Provide detailed dashboards and advanced filtering options.

Prototyping Tools:

• Use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to deliver high-fidelity prototypes.

• Annotate designs with specifications for developers (e.g., padding, font sizes, interactions).

Collaboration with Development Team:

• Conduct design walkthroughs to explain user flows and edge cases.

• Provide assets like icons, style guides, and component libraries.

Usability Testing:

• Conduct A/B testing to compare different design approaches (e.g., layout of the dashboard).

• Collect feedback on real-world usage scenarios during a pilot phase.

Feedback Iteration:

• Refine interfaces based on user suggestions and performance metrics (e.g., time to log equipment usage).

User Training and Onboarding:

• Provide tutorials, tooltips, and documentation for first-time users.

• Host workshops for R&D staff to ensure adoption.

Monitoring and Updates:

• Analyze usage data to identify underutilized features.

• Plan updates to incorporate advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, or integration with IoT sensors.