Umbrella OS webapp redesign
Seamless Railroad Heater Control
platform
Webapp
Role
Industry
timeline
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existing Umbrella OS’s railroad heating system control dashboard suffered from complexity, visual inconsistency, and an outdated design.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.
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