Product & Service Design , Scrum
In close collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) dynamic initiative, the RSAF Agile and Innovation and Digital (RAiD) department, the partnership encompassed a range of pivotal projects. Among these ventures was the development of RSAF's Day Parade booking management platform, a crucial tool for orchestrating seamless events.
The following dashboard usability improvements were considered from the start:
Navigation
Legacy navigation relied heavily on clunky drop-down menus, it presented an over scroll problem and space
(both horizontal and vertical) in the viewport is precious. Mega menus show everything at a glance, utilise imagery and allow for better groupings.
Headers
Legacy header column display made it difficult for users to quickly scan important data. The headers also moved with the page scroll and users would get lost quickly and often. Fixed headers provide column context for users.
Formatting
Legacy display made it difficult for users to quickly identify grouped sets of data and information, this lead to an increase in errors when referencing information. Line divisions, zebra striping and resizable columns were introduced to assist users when parsing large datasets at smaller sizes.
Dynamic Tabs
Much like tabs on Chrome, dynamic tabs allow users to take advantage of the ease of tracking and switching between multiple pages. Dynamic tabs allow users to easily switch and track multiple opened pages.
Horizontal Scrolling (Locking Columns)
Horizontal scrolling with lockable columns allow users to easily go through large sets of information. Horizontal scrolling is used when there are large sets of information, lockable columns also aid users when scanning the information blocks.
Expandable Rows
Legacy expanded rows had multiple formatting issues all of which were addressed for a clearer, cleaner display. Expandable rows allow users to access additional information without losing context.
Quick View
Similar to expanded rows to accommodate for different sets of information. Quick view allows users to access additional information while keeping in context.
Compacted Views
Compacted views came about when users needed more ways to display different sets of information that expandable rows could not accommodate for thus an email inbox viewing method was adopted. Compacted viewing was introduced to hold large sets of information.
Modal Windows
Users were often left frustrated when trying to compare / access multiple datasets. Modal windows provide additional actions and focus while allowing the user to stay in context.
Filters
Essential for data sorting. Filters allow users to quickly manipulate the data they want to see.
Column Sorting
Users commonly complained of not being able to organise the rows to see data in an orderly manner. Column sorting allows users to organise rows of data both numerically and or alphabetically.
Inline Editing
Users complained of the time taken to update / change data as they would normally have to be redirected to another page. Inline Editing is an excellent way for users to quickly manipulate data.
Searchable Columns
Integrated search function within columns as an added convenience. Searchable columns allow users to quickly, efficiently search and display row results.
Hover Interactions
Users frequently complained about having to access row functions that were fragmented on-screen, increase errors and time taken to complete tasks. Additional hover interactions aid users in quickly accessing miscellaneous row functions.
Pagination
Users found traditional pagination to be limited and would rather be able to know available / left row count. The improved pagination allowed users to see more rows of data while displaying the total number of rows available.
Display Densities
Users often work in uncommon lower screen resolutions and space in the viewport is limited. Errors frequently occur because of this and they tire easily from looking at the screen for long hours. Display densities help to show more rows, reduce errors and ease eye strain.
Additionally, SWiFT, a comprehensive platform designed to foster innovation by providing structured support to innovators throughout their journeys was also worked on in parallel.
An in-house design system was also established and maintained. This system serves as the backbone for a diverse array of digital solutions, spanning from intuitive applications aimed at enhancing the daily experiences of RSAF's dedicated airmen and women, to the strategic utilisation of state-of-the-art technology to realise the ambitious vision outlined for the RSAF's future in 2040.
