Introduction
This project aimed to address the challenges faced by an on-demand product line, such as inefficient tracking, complex onboarding processes, and manual personalization. By conducting in-depth user research, collaborating closely with factory operators and admins, and following user-centered design principles, I successfully designed and implemented a software solution that streamlined production, reduced time-to-market, and automated the personalization process.
My Contributions
I played a vital role in the print-on-demand factory software project as the Product Designer. Leading user research efforts, I collaborated closely with factory operators and admins to understand their needs and pain points. Applying user-centered design principles, I developed an intuitive interface that improved productivity, reduced errors, and allowed for scalability. My contributions were instrumental in transforming the production process and delivering a user-centric solution.
Problem Statement
The fashion production industry faced significant challenges in managing an on-demand product line. The existing workflow relied on paper-based tracking, lacked organization for garment personalization, and involved manual file transfers for printing. This resulted in difficulties in tracking production, complex onboarding processes for new customers, and inefficient automation of personalization in art files.
Solution
To address these pain points, a software solution was designed specifically for the print-on-demand factory. The primary goals were to reduce production time, track every step, and automate personalization. The design process involved extensive user research and collaboration with factory operators and admins.
User Research
The initial phase focused on creating a base system to track production, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of bottlenecks. User research workshops, shadowing operators, and observing daily routines helped identify pain points and gain insights into production inefficiencies.
Design Approach
Design decisions were guided by the principles of minimizing errors and reducing complexity. The software interface aimed to simplify decision-making for operators and admins by providing clear and limited options at each step. The user flow revolved around a QR code system, where operators scanned codes to initiate and complete production steps.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Involvement
The production manager played a crucial role in the design process, offering valuable insights into the factory's physical limitations and bridging the gap between software and the production floor.
Iterative Development
Continuous delivery was adopted to allow for incremental improvements and feature implementations. Regular user feedback and observation were incorporated into the design, ensuring the software aligned with real-world production requirements.
Lessons Learned
The project underscored the importance of user collaboration throughout the design process. Engaging users at every cycle facilitated a deeper understanding of their needs, resulting in a software solution that better catered to their requirements.
