design considerations for screen-based interactions almost always relate to tasks from the "real world." I have worked on context-specific user experiences for app concepts, tool interfaces, and website redesigns. the idea of usability covers many aspects of product design, but at its core it means first understanding user needs and expectations, then creating a way to enable them to achieve their objectives with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction.
Building towards Usability: UXR&D for WireWare2.0
When Pensa Labs was ready to create the second version of the D.I.Wire machine, a full software redesign was necessary. There were new features and capabilities on the hardware side, and the software needed to reflect those upgrades.
I supported the Pensa Labs team throughout the entire 18 month process for the software redesign by researching back and front end framework options, contributing to task analysis for workflow design and UI elements, Along the way, I helped define heuristics to guide development, ran user testing, and facilitated documentation.
Bringing the PRD to Life
Timeline: 18 Months from Planning to Deployment
Phase 1: Planning & Design Work
Phase 2: Agile Development & User Testing
Roles: I handled User Experience, Kevin O’Leary (Lead UI Designer), Steel Jones (Developer), Marco Perry (Chief Engineer, Executive Direction)
Design Planning
As we began the process of creating new software to match new hardware capabilities, I took the user research gathered over the previous year and helped the team stay user-centered during the design process.
Goal: Create an intuitive interface that conveys control and precision, while still remaining immediately accessible to a wide range of users.
Usability Testing
I recruited test participants from different backgrounds, including machinists, fabricators, industrial designers, and students.
We had them run through tasks with varying degrees of instruction, then gathered their feedback into insights that guided design changes.