Rapisurv.

Challenge

The construction industry is often plagued by fragmented software solutions and disjointed workflows. Quantity Surveyors require accurate Takeoff and Bill of Quantities tools. Subcontractors need streamlined Estimating, Procurement, and Contract Management capabilities. Owners and Contractors demand effective Budgeting, messaging, collaboration, Bidding, Tender, and the list goes on. Existing SAP ERPs offer comprehensive features but can be complex and costly. Our challenge was to create a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative.

User Research I

User Research


Our journey began with a deep dive into user research, leaving no stone unturned to understand the intricacies of construction and contract management. We employed a multifaceted approach, conducting interviews, surveys, and workshops across all user categories to gain valuable insights. Here's a closer look at our findings:

  • Quantity Surveyors:
    These meticulous professionals often grappled with fragmented Takeoff and Bill of Quantities tools, hindering their quest for precision and efficiency. Quick access to accurate data was of paramount importance to them.
  • Contractors & Builders:
    Efficiency and streamlined processes were key for this group. They faced challenges in Contract Management, Budgeting, and collaboration, all of which needed to be simplified.
  • Subcontractors & Specialists:
    Similar to contractors and builders, subcontractors and specialists also yearned for efficiency. They needed tools to create accurate estimates and navigate procurement processes seamlessly.
  • Owners:
    Owners had unique requirements, particularly in terms of collaboration and transparency. They sought tools that allowed them to manage projects efficiently and receive comprehensive reports.

User Research II

Unveiling the Faces of Our Solution


In our quest to transform construction and contract management, we didn't just analyze data; we delved deep into the lives and needs of the real people behind the roles. Our user personas are not just outlines; they're vibrant personalities who represent the heart of our solution:

Onah, the Quantity Surveyor

Meet Onah, the meticulous Quantity Surveyor. Onah lives for precision and efficiency. His day revolves around Takeoff and Bill of Quantities, where every measurement counts. With our solution, Onah gets the tools he needs to work swiftly, accurately, and confidently.

Sarah, the Subcontractor

Sarah is the epitome of an efficient Subcontractor. She's all about Estimating and Procurement. With our solution, Sarah can create estimates with ease, manage procurement seamlessly, and keep her projects on track without breaking a sweat.

Mike, the Contractor

Meet Mike, the Contractor with an eye on Contract Management and Budgeting. Mike juggles multiple contracts, change orders, and project finances. Our solution simplifies his tasks, allowing him to focus on what matters most—successful project execution.

Emily, the Owner

Emily, the Owner, values transparency and collaboration. She oversees projects, makes critical decisions, and expects clear reporting. Our solution provides Emily with the tools she needs to lead confidently and stay informed.


These personas aren't just characters on paper; they embody the essence of our design process—real people with real needs. Their stories guided our journey, ensuring that every feature and function of our solution resonates with the individuals who rely on it daily.

Design Process

Crafting a User-Centric Design Process


Our journey to transform construction and contract management involved a meticulous design process, shaped by user research and a thorough understanding of industry-standard tools. We were driven by the goal of not only creating a functional solution but also making it visually appealing and accessible to users who often dealt with vast amounts of data.

We were driven by user-centric principles and the desire to address the challenges uncovered during research. Here's how we executed it:

  • Wireframing and Prototyping:
    We initiated the design process with low-fidelity wireframes, outlining the core functionalities of our suite of applications. These evolved into interactive prototypes that facilitated user testing and iterative refinement.
  • Visual Design for Clarity:
    Our visual design prioritized clarity and ease of use. We introduced a unified and intuitive interface, transcending the limitations of existing solutions characterized by text that was often illegible due to the industry's reliance on big numbers and extensive data.
  • Accessibility:
    Recognizing the diversity of our user base, we made accessibility a focal point. Our design allowed users to interact with the application easily. We enabled localization to cater to users in different countries, addressing differences in Standard of Measurement (SMM).

Usability Testing

A Closer Look at the User Experience


Usability testing was the compass that guided our design process, helping us navigate toward a user-centered destination. We conducted extensive testing with users from each user persona category, ensuring that our solution met their unique needs and expectations. Here's a detailed breakdown of our usability testing process:

  • Participant Selection:
    We carefully selected participants who represented the diverse roles within the construction and contract management ecosystem. This included Quantity Surveyors like John, Subcontractors like Sarah, Contractors like Mike, and Owners like Emily.
  • Test Scenarios:
    We created a series of realistic test scenarios that mimicked everyday tasks and challenges faced by our users. These scenarios ranged from performing Takeoff and Bill of Quantities tasks to managing contracts and budgets effectively
  • Moderated Testing:
    Usability sessions were moderated by experienced facilitators who guided participants through the scenarios while observing their interactions with the application.
  • Task Execution:
    Participants were asked to perform specific tasks within the application, such as creating an estimate, managing procurement, or tracking project expenses. We closely monitored their actions, reactions, and any difficulties encountered.
  • Feedback Collection:
    We encouraged participants to vocalize their thoughts, feelings, and feedback throughout the testing process. This candid feedback was invaluable in uncovering pain points and areas for improvement.
  • Observation and Documentation:
    Our facilitators observed user interactions and documented their experiences. We noted where users hesitated, became confused, or expressed frustration, as well as moments of success and satisfaction.
  • Post-Test Interviews:
    After completing the tasks, we conducted post-test interviews to gather deeper insights. We probed participants about their overall impressions, likes, dislikes, and suggestions for enhancements.
  • Analysis and Iteration:
    The data collected from usability testing sessions was carefully analyzed. We identified recurring issues and patterns, which informed our design iterations. We prioritized enhancements based on their impact on the user experience.
  • Iterative Design:
    Armed with insights from usability testing, we iteratively improved our design. This involved refining user interfaces, enhancing functionality, and optimizing workflows to address pain points and streamline tasks.


Usability testing was not a one-time event but an ongoing process throughout our design journey. It ensured that our solution evolved in response to real user feedback, resulting in a product that truly resonated with Quantity Surveyors, Subcontractors, Contractors, Owners, and all stakeholders in the construction and contract management landscape.

Conclusion

*Fin*


Our solution not only bridges the gaps in the industry but also elevates construction and contract management to new heights. Users now have access to a unified platform that eradicates data silos, streamlines workflows, and enhances accuracy. The visual appeal and legibility of our design have significantly improved the user experience, addressing a long-standing inconvenience in an industry where working with big numbers and complex data is the norm.

My Invaluable Takeaways
In conclusion, this project was a tremendous learning experience that not only allowed me to contribute to providing a comprehensive solution to the construction and contract management challenges but also opened my eyes to the intricacies of data management, collaboration, global accessibility, and the profound impact of simplicity in the construction industry.

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