Transport Canada Tugboat Risk Advisor
Project Overview
The Transport Canada Mobile App was developed to improve safety for tugboat operators by offering a real-time risk assessment tool. This was initiated in response to a fatal accident in the tugboat industry, underscoring the need for better decision-making tools in high-stakes environments. My role was to design a mobile app that simplified complex safety assessments, providing operators with easy-to-understand, real-time data on environmental conditions.
Requirements & Research
Transport Canada provided initial information about the app’s purpose, user needs, and key safety factors for tugboat operations. Given that the goal was to create a functional prototype rather than a complete app, my research focused on:
Understanding the risk assessment criteria relevant to tugboat operators.
Reviewing existing safety protocols and digital tools in the marine industry.
This foundational research helped define core functionalities that would resonate with users and stakeholders during the pitch.
Design Process
Mockup Exploration
I began by creating a series of mockups in Figma, experimenting with different layouts to optimize:
Usability: Ensuring critical information like weather conditions and safety alerts was easily accessible.
Clarity: Using a clean, intuitive interface to reduce cognitive load during high-stress situations.
Navigation: Designing logical, streamlined workflows that reflect real-world decision-making processes for tugboat operators.
Several iterations focused on balancing comprehensive data presentation with a minimalist approach to prevent information overload.
Prototyping with Protopie
Once the layout was refined, I used Protopie to transform the Figma designs into an interactive prototype. This allowed the presenter’s mobile device to simulate a fully functional app, enabling Transport Canada officials to:
Navigate through different screens.
Input data, such as route details or weather conditions.
Receive simulated risk assessments and alerts.
This interactivity provided an engaging, hands-on experience during the pitch, demonstrating the app’s potential impact in real-world scenarios.
The Pitch and Impact
During the presentation, the prototype was instrumental in illustrating how the app could enhance safety and decision-making. The ability to interact directly with the prototype helped Transport Canada visualize its practical benefits, ultimately playing a pivotal role in securing project funding.
Lessons Learned
Value of Interactivity: A fully clickable prototype made the concept more tangible and persuasive than static visuals alone.
User-Centered Design: Focusing on the end-user's workflow and safety needs ensured the design aligned with real-world challenges.
Iterative Process: Rapid prototyping and mockup testing enabled me to refine the design effectively within a tight timeline.
This project reinforced the importance of translating complex requirements into intuitive, interactive solutions that resonate with stakeholders and users alike.