A platform that helps transform snowy and impassable roads in Norway into safe and passable pathways
Client
Roadtech
Role
Platform
Project lenght
3 Months, Launched in August 2022
Problem
In Norway, the roads can be quite dangerous. Snowplows are tirelessly working to keep routes clear, while regular drivers face challenging weather conditions that quickly make roads impassable again. Waiting for assistance can take a long time and pose a danger to passengers. These were the problems reported by the client, observed among drivers in Norway.
This is how the roads in Norway look during the winter season. Photo taken during the testing phase of the first version of the application.
Goal
Challenge
Process overview
I joined the project after gathering the initial requirements. The client also had a concept for the tablet application, outlining the general idea for the product. The first step was to familiarize myself with the collected documentation and materials, and then continue with conducting a thorough analysis of the project scope, identifying key objectives, and brainstorming potential solutions to meet the client's needs.
The importance of research
Research played a crucial role in developing this project, receiving my special attention. Given the specialized nature of the subject, I examined interface designs for various machinery, such as snow groomers, snowplows, autonomous vehicles, and even agricultural equipment. Analyzing the elements like buttons, interface layout, and notification delivery methods provided me with key insights and aided in the design of the application.
The tablet application was designed for snowplow drivers. It enabled them to manage impassable roads and create convoys, allowing regular drivers to safely navigate through these areas. Drivers had access to essential information such as the number of convoy participants, a safe distance indicator between vehicles, and an emergency reporting system.
Importance of Grid
The most crucial aspect of the tablet application was the interface layout, which was designed to prioritize clarity by dividing the screen into three main sections:
Layout Adjusted for Convoy Needs
Snowplow drivers received access to information that helped them manage the convoy. The system showed whether the convoy spacing was within safe limits, preventing issues like vehicles being too close together, which could pose a danger during emergency stops on slippery roads.
Night mode
As the snowplow begins nighttime operations, the screen will switch to night mode to reduce glare and minimize distractions, helping the driver stay focused.
The mobile application allows regular drivers to join convoys led by snowplows. As a result, roads that are typically impassable during the winter season become accessible to Roadtech users. The app also provides essential information to snowplow drivers, including the number of vehicles and passengers participating in the convoy.
Clear notifications
An important goal for the app was to ensure that critical notifications, such as accidents or requests to stop the convoy, were clear and noticeable. Drivers needed to quickly respond to unexpected situations, so they required straightforward messages.
Alerts
To increase the visibility and readability of alerts regarding important events (starting a convoy, calling for help), I decided:
Give a different background to alerts and increase the contrast between the basic colors of the application and the alerts The change from a light background to a dark one is easier to see.
Use a simple layout with as little information as possible and much white space.
Critical Information for Emergency Response
Providing essential data, like vehicle type and the number of passengers, is crucial in emergencies. This informations assists in determining the necessary help, including the required number of ambulances and whether specialized services are needed in the case of a large vehicle accident.
Design System for Project Scaling
Creating a design system helped us maintain a consistent look and feel for our project. It also made scaling and further development much easier. The documented components were essential in streamlining our development efforts and ensuring design consistency.
Project results
The product successfully completed testing phases, securing funding for further development.
Government authorities showed interest and viewed the product's development positively. Clients and stakeholders decided to continue developing the product with our assistance.
Since project implementation, RoadTech entered into a contract with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, marking a significant milestone for further project development.
