Umbrella OS webapp redesign

Seamless Railroad Heater Control

Showcase of 3 project screens
Showcase of 3 project screens
Showcase of 3 project screens

platform

Webapp

Role

UX UI Designer

UX UI Designer

UX UI Designer

Industry

Transportation

UX UI Designer

UX UI Designer

timeline

Apr 2019-Feb 2020 (part time)

Apr 2019-Feb 2020 (part time)

Apr 2019-Feb 2020 (part time)

01

Overview

Umbrella OS is a centralized monitoring & control network used to manage and schedule railroad heaters across multiple locations.

These heaters are essential for keeping tracks clear and safe during cold weather. The system connects heaters online, providing control through both physical touchscreen panels and a digital interface. This allows users to efficiently monitor, analyze, and manage key parameters across all sites, ensuring network safety.

02

Problem

Client's existing Umbrella OS’s railroad heating system control dashboard suffered from complexity, visual inconsistency, and an outdated design.

03

Goals

Redesign and streamline the user interface to enhance process efficiency, minimize onboarding time for new employees, reduce errors, and simplify overall system management. I also suggested some new features and system updates that were implemented.

Scope:

  • Heater controllers for the railroad controller

  • Railroad platform interface

  • Touchscreen panels on physical heaters

  • Admin dashboard for managing customer accounts

Scope:

  • Heater controllers for the railroad controller

  • Railroad platform interface

  • Touchscreen panels on physical heaters

  • Admin dashboard for managing customer accounts

Scope:

  • Heater controllers for the railroad controller

  • Railroad platform interface

  • Touchscreen panels on physical heaters

  • Admin dashboard for managing customer accounts

Smart zone controls for heaters with automation, parameter adjustments, and individual or group management

Smart zone controls for heaters with automation, parameter adjustments, and individual or group management

04

Process & Research

Due to a tight timeline, I moved quickly from sketches to high fidelity prototypes to validate designs. Iterations were quick. The functionality already existed, so I did not need to create user flows. I had no direct contact with the overseas developers, who received everything at the end. The client reviewed and approved designs throughout the process.

Research

  • Stakeholder interview

  • Current product audit

  • Dashboard and product design inspiration

05

Insights

This project taught me a lot about working solo on a complex project with very little resources and managing stakeholder interactions as a freelancer especially regarding clarity about scope creep and how the design process works. I also didn't have direct contact with the dev team, everything went through the client and it was their first time working with a design software so instructions had to be provided to help guide them. I learned the importance of gathering KPIs or success metrics from the beginning and gained valuable experience in stakeholder interviews and documentation.

06

Next steps

  • Usability test with users to see what could be improved further

  • Discover additional features to simplify their workflow and needs

  • UI enhancements (portfolio updated in 2024 to reflect new look)

07

2024 UI tweaks

UI enhancements aimed at optimizing workflow, improving clarity, boosting accessibility, and elevating visual appeal

Let's collaborate :)

©

Jess Ma

2024

Let's collaborate :)

©

Jess Ma

2024

Let's collaborate :)

©

Jess Ma

2024