From Manual Logs to Digital Efficiency:
How a Mobile App Improved Safety and Boosted Productivity for Truck Drivers and Fleet Staff.
“Keeping up with all of this safety paperwork is a headache; I don’t have time for all of this, plus the dispatchers always complain that they can’t read my handwriting.”
Daniel W., 32, Truck Driver
My Role.
Product Design
User Research
Visual Design
User Testing
Team.
Product Designer
Product Manager
Software Engineer
Timeline.
March - July 2022
Client.
A trucking company based in Georgia.
01. Executive Summary.
The Problem.
Truck drivers logged safety information manually, causing lost paperwork and illegible forms due to bad handwriting, resulting in non-compliance.
The Goal.
To digitize and streamline safety data entry, and eliminate physical paperwork
To take DOT compliance from 70% to over 95% within 1 month
The Solution.
Compliance documentation through e-Forms and real-time notifications.
The Impact.
Within 1 month of test rollout, compliance improved from 70% to 89%
Maintenance requests received immediately, shaving 3 days off response time
Company now moving to roll out to rest of fleet
02. Background Information.
The Kickoff.
Our client , a local trucking company, was challenged by repeated DOT violations and fines. Safety compliance was only at 70% - drivers were either losing or incorrectly filling out safety forms.
"How Might We eliminate unnecessary paperwork while improving DOT compliance?"
03. Research.
User Interviews.
I began by conducting 10 Zoom user interviews - 4 with drivers, 4 with dispatchers, and 2 with supervisors. I wanted to understand the unique, role-based ways that the problem presented.
Observational Studies.
Next, I spent 2 days on the truck yard, conducting observational studies with 5 drivers. I observed their need to hurriedly complete safety checks due to their delivery assignment load.
04. Information Architecture.
Mapping Out the Data.
Before moving to the ideation phase, I mapped out the app’s information architecture:
05. Concept.
Our team again met with the client (who brought along 2 fleet supervisors) to walk through the general screen flow. I made changes based on feedback (ie switch bottom nav out for hamburger menu) and moved to the high-fidelity phase.
06. Visual Design.
07. High Fidelity Screens.
08. Addressing the Issues.
09. Testing.
Usability Tests.
To ensure that SafeFleet was user friendly, I conducted 3 rounds of online moderated usability tests ( 5 drivers, 5 dispatchers, 4 supervisors). Some of the questions I asked participants:
Show me how you would complete your daily safety inspection checklist? How would you report an accident?
How would you view all drivers currently on the road?
Show me where you would check your Hours of Service?
What do you like about the app? What do you not like? What could be improved?
How do you add a new driver to the roster? How would you check whether a driver is in compliance or not?
The Results.
92% of participants reporting that they found SafeFleet easy to use and that it improved the safety inspection process. Driver participants reported that their safety inspection time reduced by an average of 20%. Participants also noted that the real-time updates improved both access to safety inspection information and communication between truck drivers, dispatchers, and fleet supervisors.
10. Outcome.
Final Prototype: User flows for Truck Driver, Dispatcher, and Supervisor.
User Testimonials.
11. Reflections.
Final Impact.
1 month post rollout, we saw an improvement from 70% to 89% on D.O.T. compliance. Additionally, receiving maintenance requests in real time now meant that truck maintenance issues were turned around 3 days quicker, resulting in less vehicle down time and greater profitability. The dispatchers were now free from manual entry and able to handle more incoming client assignments.
What I Learned.
I learned the importance of involving users early in the design process and soliciting their feedback. I also learned the value of having a centralized system for tracking safety compliance, over manual processes. This leaves the company less susceptible to Department of Transportation fines.
What I Would Have Done Differently.
With a total roster of 63 drivers, 9 dispatchers, and 6 supervisors - I would have ideally liked to perform user testing with a larger group of participants - but scheduling and project duration factored in to my ability to do so. This could have identified even more potential issues.
Ideas Beyond The Screen.
My team and I explored other ideas to supplement the app and improve the overall safety culture:
training programs for drivers on safe driving practices,
creating rewards programs for truckers that consistently practice safety standards
additional resources that help drivers manage both stress and fatigue on the road.