ℹ️ Some details were altered for confidentiality.
About
Inkwell is a digital solution designed to replace manual ink order management. It addresses common frustrations in the ink and packaging industry by providing tools for tracking stock levels and managing orders in ink rooms.
Client
A prominent ink and packaging manufacturer was experiencing record profitability from heightened demand driven by geopolitical factors. This resulted in extended lead times for raw materials, primarily due to the manual and analog supply chain, creating an opportunity to invest in digitization.
Task
Within six months, the task was to conceptualize, design, and prototype a SaaS platform, focusing on digitizing key aspects of ink supply chain.
Team
The project team included three software developers, a product owner, and a project manager. As the sole designer, I led all design-related activities, encompassing research, UI/UX design, and branding.
Research Methodology
Data collection involved contextual inquiries and expert interviews, uncovering issues such as unclear stakeholder priorities and misaligned workflows.
Contextual Inquiry
Two site visits at production facilities were conducted to observe workflows and interact with staff. These facilities produced specialized inks and coatings for a variety of packaging applications, with orders customized to precise client specifications.
Notable observations:
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The facilities were noisy and fast-paced, necessitating communication through visual aids and hand signals.
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Precision and quality were paramount, as production errors could disrupt the entire supply chain.
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The work was highly repetitive, typical of manufacturing roles.
Expert Interview
A 40-minute interview with an industry expert clarified questions from observations and offered valuable insights into the industry's challenges and the organization's operations.
User Needs and Requirements
Main staff responsibilities included monitoring ink stock levels, placing timely orders, and tracking order statuses and delivery timelines. Ensuring accurate and up-to-date technical data sheets and invoices was also essential.
Challenges faced by the staff included reliance on Excel spreadsheets for stock management, which made it difficult to track inventory across multiple orders. Other issues involved missing or outdated technical documentation and a lack of transparency in pricing and order status.
Use Cases and Scenarios
Detailed use cases were then developed for various scenarios, including:
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Standard Workflows: Regular processes for dispensing ink.
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Alternative Paths: Adjustments made for unforeseen changes, such as sudden fluctuations in stock levels.
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Exceptional Cases: Handling disruptions, such as supply chain interruptions or urgent restocking needs.
Each use case outlined the preconditions, workflows, and expected outcomes of user interactions with the system.
Branding Exploration
Brainstorming sessions shaped the brand identity for the platform, generating concepts for names, logos, and color schemes. Finalized options were then presented to stakeholders for approval.
Design Iterations
Inkwell progressed rapidly from wireframes to high-fidelity prototypes to meet the organization's urgent need for presentations to upper management.
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Wireframes: Initial designs focused on basic layouts and navigation.
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High-Fidelity Prototypes: These prototypes were refined based on feedback, incorporating both user and business requirements. Two major iterations enhanced the design, making it ready for development.
Conclusion
Although Inkwell was discontinued due to organizational restructuring, the project had lasting impacts, including:
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Increasing stakeholder awareness of user-centric design.
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Providing a proof of concept for future digital modernization efforts.
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Establishing a foundation for ongoing modernization efforts.