Design Process for Saññã: Transforming Complex Port Operations into a Seamless User Experience

Our design process for Saññã focused on creating an intuitive, reliable, and scalable solution that could address the operational complexities of modern sea ports. We adopted a user-centered design approach to ensure that each feature directly addressed the needs of end-users, including port authorities, staff, and visitors. Below is an outline of the step-by-step design process we followed.

Double Diamond approach was taken which helped navigating through the project much smoother.

Phase 1: Discover & Define

Discover

In the discovery phase, we aimed to fully understand the needs of users, challenges in current port operations, and the broader context of smart port technology.

1. Stakeholder Interviews
   We began by conducting in-depth interviews with port authorities, staff, security personnel, and port visitors. These conversations shed light on pain points such as lengthy access approval processes, challenges with perimeter security, and the need for a resilient system that operates 24/7.

   
   

2. Field Observations
   We visited port sites to observe real-time operations. This hands-on experience allowed us to map current workflows and witness first-hand the issues faced by users, especially around access management and perimeter security.

Define

1. User Personas
   We created personas to represent Saññã's core users, including port authorities, security staff, and visitors like truck drivers. Each persona highlighted specific needs, such as real-time monitoring for authorities, streamlined data access for staff, and quick entry approvals for visitors.

   
   

2. User Journey Mapping
   Using the personas, we mapped out the user journeys, from submitting access requests to managing perimeter alerts. This helped us pinpoint specific pain points and bottlenecks, guiding our feature prioritization.

Phase 2: Develop & Deliver

Develop

With a defined problem and clear user needs, we entered the development phase, where ideas took shape through ideation, prototyping, and testing.

1. Ideation and Brainstorming
   We hosted design sprints to generate solutions that aligned with our goals. Key focus areas included digital access request processing, real-time perimeter monitoring, and high scalability for peak traffic.

   
   

2. Wireframing
   We created low-fidelity wireframes for core screens, such as the access request form, security dashboard, and monitoring interface. These wireframes allowed us to visualize the flow and basic layout, enabling early feedback on design concepts.

   
   

3. High-Fidelity Prototyping and User Testing
   Using the insights from wireframes, we built high-fidelity, interactive prototypes for key features. We conducted usability tests with end-users, which provided critical feedback that guided us in refining the interface for efficiency and intuitiveness. Testing allowed us to optimize navigation paths, simplify form layouts, and make the dashboard highly actionable.

Deliver

The deliver phase was focused on finalising the design and ensuring seamless implementation.

1. UI Design and Visual Language
   Our visual design emphasised clarity, reliability, and professionalism. We chose a palette of cool blues and grays to evoke a sense of security and used clear typography for readability. Icons and information hierarchy were designed to be intuitive, especially for quick recognition in urgent scenarios.

   
   

2. Accessibility and Responsiveness
   To accommodate diverse users and environments, we ensured Saññã’s design was accessible across devices and compliant with WCAG guidelines, supporting both desktop and mobile usage for port personnel on the go.

   
   

3. Development Handoff and Collaboration
   We documented design specifications meticulously, providing developers with guidelines on components, interactions, and accessibility. Regular check-ins and reviews throughout development ensured design fidelity and alignment with the original vision.