Toolkit for the Digital Supervisor
Toolkit is a platform that integrates with existing applications/systems and brings contextual information/tools at one place to make Vale’s workforce safer, productive, and engaged.
Main Target: Supervisors.
Sub-Target: Operators, Mine Managers, Technicians, Engineers, Superintendents.
My Roles
UX Designer
UI Designer
Team
Product Manager
Architect
Senior Engineer
UX / UI Designer
Tools
Adobe XD
Mural
Microsoft Office
SharePoint
Company Overview
Vale S.A. is a Brazilian multinational corporation engaged in metals and mining and one of the largest logistics operators in Brazil. Also, the largest producer of iron ore and nickel in the world.
OVERVIEW –
The Opportunity
To equip Supervisors with Digital tools that will significantly enhance the output and safety of Vale’s mining operations.
The problem was that previous research insights on Supervisors discovered multiple pain points high level, we need it more granularity insights.
Create an integrated tool for supervisors to manage all their daily tasks, pre-shift, in-shift and post-shift tasks. So they can collaborate with peers in a safer and more efficient way.
DISCOVERY-
In order to close the data gaps on current journey process. I crafted a research road map called “A day in a Supervisors life” starting with a field study that can provide context on their natural environment. We Interviewing 11 personas from Mobile, Maintenance and Operation.
After passing safety training courses and learning how to wear PPE, we headed underground.
In 1 month we visited 3 mines in Ontario, on each mine we interviewed and observed 2 cross-shift supervisors, and 1 Technician, 1 Engineer, 1 Superintendent.
The results of the research provided rich data, allowing me to document personas and current journey maps, and story maps.
Pain points categories:
Integrated Communication and Transparency, Expectations and Shared Understanding, Alignment and Prioritization, Attitudes and Behaviors.
We shadowed Supervisors underground for a day to learned about processes and pain points
Pain points discovered before, during and after shift
Multiple systems to update, limited visibility on equipment and workplace progress, and safety processes. Redundant documentation leads to erroneous data, causing delays in operational plans and inefficiencies in safety work. Also results in Supervisor and Crew frustrations.
Definition –
Journey Map
We facilitated a prioritization workshop with the Business stakeholders and Tech team, prioritized findings and created a feasible road map towards a
MVP1 with the focus on pre-shift.
Designing –
Shortly we moved into a brainstorming session and we came up with tangible rough wireframes.
Defining Priority Workshop
Story Map
We had build a partnership with Supervisors, and we were able to tested interactive prototypes to validate design and iterate before development.
EXECUTION –
MVP1
As the pandemic unfolds in 2020, Vale had to rely on technology to continue production by changing processes and routines for essential workers. Self-screening for COVID, was crucial during this time. ValeForms mobile app became the screening tool for the company , since it had integration with the data of all employees & vendors ID (approximately 125,000). Integration with ValeForms was a must have.
We moved into development of MVP, I helped define the product backlog. Assets were delivered to the engineer in ionic framework. Responsive in mobile format and tablet for IOS & Androids.
Implement, Test, Learn-
We launched toolkit mobile app in 1 mine site.
We launched MVP1 in one mine in partnership with IT business partners, as they were rolling out new ipads.
Interviewing end users periodically to refine product backlog and prioritizing.
We learned:
- The MVP1 focus on pre-shift was not enough for end users to feel that was bringing enough value, clear accountability and visibility were missing on tasks and people.
- Light mode theme underground was harsh on end users eyes.
- Communication amount teams was not flowing.
- We identified and prioritized the data and apps integration to make a holistic tool for the digital supervisor.
- Self-screening for COVID was working great for the mines.
- The were very happy working Off-line mode underground.
Iterated, Test, Learn-
Toolkit MVP2
ONE SINGLE LOGIN !
ToolKit V2 had the integration with 4 more applications. Supervisors were able to access with 1 single login to ValeForms (Allowing all users on 9 Ontario mines to COVID self-screen), Lumina App ( Manage tasks related to operations), Microsoft Teams (communicating with teams), integration with CRM (submit critical risks) and Iris (Report health & safety incidents) and other shortcuts. Dark mode was designed as well.
Today Global Toolkit is implemented on 9 mine sites across Canada, with the plans to be roll out to UK and Brazil mines for base metals.
