Task Assigner Dashboard integration
Transport for NSW
To streamline the day-to-day workflow of the Train Crew Operations, I designed an integrated Dashboard that greatly improved operational efficiency.
Problem statement
Task Assigner is the internal application within TfNSW network used to assign shifts and other tasks to Sydney Trains drivers and guards on stand-by. Currently, to assign a task to a Guard or a Train Driver, the TCO is required to navigate between multiple tabs in the Task Assigner app. Cycling between multiple monitors and opened tabs is time-consuming, and inefficient and allows for a higher potential for human error.
My role on this project
Design thinking process
Discovery
To understand the problem on a granular level, we conducted multiple interviews with TCO personnel. Through our conversations and on-site observations, we identified the pain points and frustrations that TCOs encounter every day
Key pain points
• Current UI relies on tabbed navigation which forces TCO to run multiple windows of the same app in order to streamline their workflow
• Cycling through multiple browser windows is time-consuming
• Increased possibility for human error
• Inability to overview all of the information required to perform duties.
Ideation
“If I want a quick glance at how many (crew) are at Hornsby, I can see there are 3 drivers and 2 guards. Instead, you have to go to the filter to see what time they signed on” - Collin, ROC
Armed with the knowledge gained in the discovery phase of this project, I ran a brainstorming session with the design team and the Business Analyst. Given the time-sensitivity of this project, we limited our ideation phase to a single session where we considered all realistically viable options. We determined that the best approach would be to design and integrate the dashboard into the current Task Assigner interface.
Design
I began the design process by creating a few basic mock-ups. I presented these concepts to the key Stakeholders and TCO representatives, and the idea was endorsed by all parties. I also consulted with our developer team every step of the way to ensure that the proposed concept was feasible.
In the next stage of the design process, I focused on figuring out how the Dashboard would look and interact with the existing Task Assigner interface. Because the Dashboard is a completely new component in the Task Assigner UI, I created new variable components and added them to the current Design System.
I created a functional Figma prototype and presented it to the board of stakeholders and TCO representatives. I synthesised the feedback and addressed the minor concerns raised.
Testing
I collated the feedback and updated the prototype accordingly. I requested my test group to complete a list of basic tasks and to provide their feedback. All participants completed the tasks with ease and the received feedback was 100% positive.
Test objectives
• Test simplicity of use
• Test improvement to the overall workflow
• Test ease of navigation through the required tasks
• Test that TCOs are comfortable with the new feature
• Confirm that all identified pain points have been addressed
Performed tasks
• Locate the Dashboard
• Expand and collapse the Dashboard
• Swap Dashboard orientation from left to right
• Use Dashboard to locate overall crew members by their Stand By status
• Use Dashboard to locate crew members by their status at a specific station