The Company
O-PitBlast is a technology company focused on mining and explosives, providing tools and functionalities that assist in the efficient management and execution of mining operations, especially with regard to the planning and execution of controlled blasting.
The Software
Surface: O-Pit Surface works in open-cast mines and quarries, allowing you to maintain total control over the results of explosive applications, accurately predict vibrations and efficiently manage fragmentation results, all on a unified and advanced platform.
The primary function of mining and explosives software is to provide tools and functionalities that assist in the efficient management and execution of mining operations, especially with regard to the planning and execution of controlled blasts.
The Problem
The company had been using the software for more than 6 years, so the software's processing capacity was quite outdated and dated.
The company had new competitors on the market who were a few steps ahead of their product. In addition, the mining-focused technology was constantly evolving and certain old features limited their ability to meet current customer needs.
The Solution
Navigation Improvements: Improve product navigation, making it easier for users to find what they are looking for. Reorganization of menus, the addition of advanced search functionalities and the creation of a more intuitive information structure.
Make it clean: Simplify the user interface to make it more intuitive and easier to use. Removing unnecessary elements and simplifying complex workflows can significantly improve the user experience.
Methodology
In the context of a product focused on mining and explosives and working within an agile methodology, my role as UX is to ensure that the user experience meets the needs of the professionals and the objectives of the business. This includes analyzing requirements and behavior to understand their needs, challenges and project objectives.
Creating user-centered designs and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, product managers and other stakeholders to continuously test and iterate and consider security issues. Always participate in daily stand-up meetings, sprint reviews and continuous collaboration.
Resources
Tools
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Miro
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Figjam
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Figma
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Adobe XD
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Adobe Ai
Team
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3 UX|UI Designers
My Role
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UX|UI Designer
Time
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Overall: 6 months
CSD - Understanding
During meetings with sales staff who have been with the company for almost a decade, the ux team and the product team, the certainties were the guaranteed information and feelings that users have.
Doubts were uncertainties to be resolved that the customer or future customer has towards the software.
Assumptions are predictions based on previous experiences, such as: at trade fairs where the product is sold, what were the biggest questions future customers had before purchasing the software. This way we can mitigate risks and make more informed decisions during the planning and execution of the project in question.
Who uses?
Mining Engineers, Geologists, Mining Technicians and Operations Managers are among the professionals who rely on blasting software for their activities.
The user journey of this software involves an integration of planning, execution, analysis and collaboration, ensuring the success of operations in open-pit mines.
The use of blasting software plays a crucial role at every stage of the process.
The Journey
The user journey when using blasting software involves several essential steps for the safe planning and execution of mining operations. Such as importing topographical data of the area of interest, defining the location and depth of the drill holes where the explosives will be inserted, explosive charge in each drill hole, specifying the type of explosive, quantity and charge pattern to optimize blasting effectiveness.
Timing
One of the most important crucial points is undoubtedly Timing, which is where the user can predict what will happen, and this process needs a great deal of error prevention.
Timing involves controlling the time between detonations by programmable electronic devices, such as electronic detonators, allowing precise synchronization and fine adjustments, or by mechanical or non-electronic devices, such as safety fuses or mechanical initiation systems, which is less precise than electronic timing.
Simulating
With the software, the user can simulate the speed of dismantling, allowing a detailed and precise analysis of the explosion process in different scenarios and conditions.
This functionality gives the user the ability to adjust and optimize the blasting speed to meet the specific needs of the project, taking into account factors such as the type of explosive, the depth of the drill holes, the geological characteristics of the terrain and safety requirements.
By simulating the blasting speed, the user can identify potential problems or areas for improvement, make informed decisions and ensure efficient and safe execution of blasting operations.
