the dynamic operator watchlist
Empowering operators to streamline workflows in complex environments with the Operator Watchlist.
background
The Operator Watchlist is a feature and enhancement for Experion - a Honeywell control system that originated in the 1970s, redesigned to be the first enterprise-wide solution to operations in industrial plants.
Experion integrates data from various equipment and sensors across a plant, providing operators with tools for real-time monitoring, trend analysis, and system control.
With Experion today, operators find it difficult to continuously monitor critical parameters and the system requires them to switch windows frequently.
Based on the operator’s scope of responsibility for the plant and also the current system state, key parameters are dynamic. Not all operators monitor the same parameters.
the problem
Control room operators typically require years of on-the-job training to be able to understand and manage plant processes and a single oversight can lead to significant consequences.
With the Operator Watchlist, It aims to help operators easily monitor their key parameters, be able to more accurately prioritise tasks, and gain more situational awareness of their plant.
research & observations
Honeywell has multiple sites across Australia, and as a UX designer, we traveled to a couple of sites in Newcastle that operate their plant using our Experion system.
Our goal was to gain insights and engage in an OVOC (observational voice of the customer). Through this, we learned more about their pain points, needs, and how operators use the system differently depending on their responsibilities.
Insights
Operators have different critical parameters they would monitor
Operators created pre-configured displays as a workaround to monitor wanted parameters. This is not flexible and not easy for operators to change.
The Operator Watchlist was created based on feedback from the user input subcommittee, which reflects customer needs. The insights gathered from site visits further emphasize the demand for this feature.
design process
At Honeywell, we utilise the double-diamond design process. We aim to incorporate the key phases of Discovery, Definition, Ideation, and Implementation in all of our projects.
From the user input subcommittee, we discovered that the users wanted a way that held all the critical parameters they needed to see on a day-to-day basis in one space. Through this need, the following persona and experience outcomes (XOs) were defined to help drive our design.
Early concepts
DEVELOPING THE DESIGN
I created high-fidelity mockups in Figma. I documented the specs in the design file itself, which allowed engineers to inspect the file and export the HTML and CSS code. All behaviours and details about the design were also documented in Confluence. Honeywell has a great process when it comes to documentation and this allows anyone to easily search for the UXDD (user experience design document), all the design files and prototypes relevant to the project in one place.
I worked closely with the development team to specify any missing interactions not covered in the high-fidelity mockups. I conducted a UX review of each front-end JIRA ticket that was implemented to ensure it was aligned with the designs before it went live.
Prototype
validating the design
Through multiple sessions of usability testing with users of different experience levels and familiarity with the industry and the Experion product, I was able to iterate and narrow down on a design that fit the scope of the release as well as be able to satisfy the the user’s end goals.
During the session, I observed how they interacted with the prototype and how once people found a way to add something to the watchlist that worked, they tended to stay with that method which is not unexpected. The usability session revealed that scrolling defeated the purpose of the watchlist and as they added more points, it started to get more messy. This was insightful information as we need to consider the operator’s environment. This prompted me to iterate a more responsive design to be capable of fitting more cards into the window.
On site with Honeywell
Results and takeaways
Upon the release of the Operator Watchlist, operators can more effectively track and monitor their parameters. Some key learnings from this project were:
The importance of user testing
From testing, you can discover so much from product users that you would not have initially thought of. This information can drastically change the trajectory of the design.Collaboration between teams
Ensuring there’s a collaborative review before handing off the design documentation. This helps clarify any ambiguities, address technical considerations, and ensure alignment between the design and development teams.Taking a step back
To worry less about how the UI details look initially and instead reminding myself to refer back to the experience outcomes to reprioritize the UX and reassess the user flows.