THE CLIENT
Payload is a local startup based in Calgary, AB. The company’s product is a responsive web-based consumer application that allows companies to solicit job bids in a centralized platform to encourage a more competitive market between trucking companies. The Payload app also captures worker locations and services provided. The application’s principal users are in the Canadian energy sector. 

THE TEAM
Payload: Art Direction + Two Engineers: Front-end Website Development & Back-end Web Application
Aquanode: One Product Designer

BACKGROUND
Payload started as a lean startup which included a senior management team and two engineers. The engineering team had theorized the initial structure for the web-application but needed assistance in the developing IA practices including site maps, user-flow diagrams, and wireframes, in addition to developing a design system and prototype to establish the preliminary design framework.

Visual Design & User Experience: My role as part of the Aquanode team was to provide the initial design of the responsive web-based application, working closely with Payload’s in-house engineering and management teams. For the MVP, the client was focused on creating an application that allows energy companies to create RFQs, find available carriers and remotely manage loads and truck drivers from pickup to drop-off.

CHALLENGES

• How can we improve on a bid process in the energy sector that has previously relied on established relationships?

• How can we streamline the delivery process from bid selection to final invoice payment?

THE PROCESS

Sitemap & Wireframes - Developed the application's architecture to establish proper user flow for all roles. As well, low-fidelity wireframes of major screens were developed to establish layout and functionality and communicate direction to the in-house engineering team. 

Design - Designed major screens of the desktop and mobile applications. The primary focus was to create a streamlined process that felt intuitive and familiar to the target audience in tone and structure.