Client
Project
Summary
Made With
Replicating real world intelligence services
I pioneered the rebuild of TIMS, a web app for creating intelligence training exercises, researching user needs, translating technical requirements, determining impact on architecture and managing product schedule and tasks.
Benjamin Cole
Cassandra Trissler
David Markowski
Amanda Thompson
Brett Blackstock
James McCollum
Rachael Spayde
Background
Rebuilding for users' needs
The Traffic Integration Messaging System is a product redesign for our CGI Federal client, U.S. Army Operational Environment Center, converting a legacy Oracle tool into a dynamic web application accessible from both classified and unclassified networks. Our product redesign cut training exercise development time from weeks to hours.
This project required extensive research into how users interacted with the legacy product, defining KPI's, working within the existing system architecture, and rebuilding from the ground up based on logic flow and heuristics studies of the application.
UX Research
Mapping user flow
Originally built in Oracle APEX, it was immediately clear TiMS wasn't designed for usability. With a complex user interface, limited processing capabilities, and no visual tracking of timelines or schedules, the tool had a high learning curve. Starting with extensive data collection and a thorough analysis of the current capabilities of TIMS, we conducted journey mapping to identify gaps in user flow and navigation. I also began design-thinking sessions with the team to identify MoSCoW and outline stakeholder needs and vision of the product.
Diagraming design
After several stakeholder sessions and extensive needs analysis, the design team began wireframing the application. As wireframes were completed, I translated needs and ideas to the engineering team to help determine best use of technology for the application while the design team tested workflows with users to finalize functionality.
Product Design
Forming the solution
The engineering team took the wireframes and started prototyping potential solutions while the design team started formalizing the style guide and design system. Although designed for a military customer, we wanted the application to be attractive and feel intuitive. We iterated on designs and prototypes that the customer felt fit the need and began building the backlog to quickly finish MVP.
USER TESTING & Delivery
TIMS was developed in an AGILE workflow, with iterations of usability testing throughout development. Initial testing shows the TIMS redesign improved exercise creation speed by over 95%. We conducted a full stress test of the system and launched the product for full adoption in the fall of 2020.