TRIMBLE TAKEOFF
A product suite for construction project estimation that is designed for small to mid-sized contractors.
Project Overview
Trimble is a hardware and software company that supports global industries in building, construction, agriculture, geospatial, natural resources, utilities, governments, transportation and others. I work in the geospatial and construction departments.
One of Trimble's innovative solutions is the Takeoff Estimation product within the Trimble Quest suite, specifically designed for pre-construction workflows. This product allows small contractors to effectively create and submit construction project bids.
Team
1 C Suite executive sponsor
3 Product managers
3 Developers
6 Stakeholders
1 Jr Researcher
Role
UX Designer and Researcher
Duration
2 years
Tools Used
Figma, Miro, Google Docs
The Project and Problem
Trimble has a long-standing, bloated product created as a native application. This product is meant to encompass many workflows of the construction process and because of this is very cumbersome for users. Our goal was to offer a new, collaborative, web based product designed for the construction estimation workflow commonly known as takeoff in the industry. This product would be called Takeoff Estimation.
My Role
Spearheaded user journey workflow sessions with stakeholders and users
Analyzed and synthesized workflow data
Identified current workflow challenges, pain points and areas for enhancement
Developed an interactive prototype that leverages machine learning to prepare data for pre-construction estimation
Designed a wizard-style guide for creating estimation reports
Presented prototypes to stakeholders, securing funding for the Trimble Takeoff product development
Research
For each research phase I created the questions and interview script. I also synthesized the findings and created visuals so that the team could better understand our users, their workflows, pain points and needs.
Understanding Users and their Workflow: First, we aimed to understand our users’ workflow in depth. We conducted interviews with users experienced in bidding for construction projects. These discussions provided valuable insights into their workflows, enabling us to map these processes.
During our analysis, we recognized the struggles faced by small contractors. Many of the individuals creating estimations were the least experienced members on their teams and were having to learn on the job. Adding to their difficulties, the existing products they relied on for these tasks had grown increasingly complex and challenging to navigate. This gave us a solid base to create something that would be both educational and intuitive.
Pictured is a map of a standard estimation workflow. This was the first workflow that we created that helped the team identify pain points.
This is the journey we created based on how construction data moves through different personas during the estimation workflow.
Stakeholder Insights: Our stakeholders are also subject matter experts that used to work in construction. They have a deep understanding of the technical aspects and workflows for estimation. We engaged with them through interviews and design reviews to gain valuable insights that played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the project's technical needs.
Design Evaluation: In addition to creating mock-ups and a prototype, I conducted usability tests. With this being a technical product I had many iterations to my designs.
One example was the feedback I received on the takeoff guide wizard. This wizard is like TurboTax, it walks them through the estimation process, but they can also choose to navigate the process on their own. It is primarily designed for users learning how to perform estimations. In early designs users were not sure if a step had been completed and they were not able to locate the tool they needed to use on a particular step to make adjustments. The solution was to add a better visual indication when the step was completed and show the tool that needed to be used on a particular step.
Pictured in the right tool panel is the Estimation Wizard, designed to seamlessly guide users through each step of creating an estimation. The left panel organizes layers of the construction project for easy navigation, while the right panel tracks progression through the estimation process, ensuring a straightforward and efficient experience.
Challenges
Site Improvements Toolbar
One notable challenge I encountered was the design of the Site Improvements toolbar. After two weeks of back-and-forth discussions on the designs, I realized that we needed a fresh approach to address our technical design changes. I decided to conduct collaborative working meetings. In these sessions, I prepared a Miro board containing design elements that served as building blocks that we assembled into rough designs. This collaborative approach allowed the team to tackle the more technical design challenges while creating shared ownership in the design process.
Shown is the Miro board used to work through the Site Improvements toolbar. You can see the various iterations the team went through while solving the problem.
Complex Workflows
In our research we quickly realized our users had very large, complex workflows. In order to make the workflows more digestible we broke them down into micro workflows and used an impact vs effort chart to prioritize.
Displayed here is an illustration of how we transformed large, intricate workflows into manageable micro workflows.
This Miro board captures a collaborative session with stakeholders, product management, and developers, focusing on work prioritization for the project.
Designs
Displayed is an Estimation product mockup, providing a time and location map. Time is the Y axis and linear location in the X axis. The left panel contains various data sets and the right tool panel allows users to edit data associated with he time/location chart.
Pictured is part of the Takeoff prototype, the right side tool panel shows a user building out a roadway with a cross section of materials, and in the bottom center is a visualization of the roadway.
Retrospective
As the Lead designer for the Trimble Takeoff team, I found joy and personal growth in this role. Despite encountering various challenges, while working with the Takeoff team, I have learned to adapt and remain flexible in the face of a constantly changing team. The product MVP was released last September and was presented at Trimble’s Dimensions Conference and is continually being developed.
Although I have transitioned to a new role, I maintain contact with the lead developer and provide design advice for the product.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the existing workflows is crucial for the product's success.
Effective communication among the Development, Product Management, and Design teams is essential.
Being adaptable and open to project changes can benefit the overall outcome.