I designed user-centered solutions with Microsoft Power Platform, creating apps that enhanced efficiency, collaboration, and innovation for Canada’s largest food and pharmacy leader, transforming supply chain processes across the organization.
The app was designed to optimize task management and enhance operational efficiency in Loblaw Distribution Centres by providing supervisors, senior supervisors, and colleagues with tools for real-time productivity tracking, shift planning, and communication. The core goals included improving shift productivity, minimizing safety incidents, and fostering a collaborative work environment. The app addressed pain points like disjointed task management, delays in shift performance information, and manual compliance tracking by centralizing workflows into a seamless, mobile-friendly platform.
The primary challenge was accommodating the distinct needs of personas such as colleagues, supervisors, and senior supervisors. Each role required tailored functionalities—for instance, colleagues needed task lists and safety updates, while supervisors required tools for performance tracking and real-time task reassignment. Balancing simplicity for frontline workers with advanced capabilities for management was key. Additionally, integrating mobile compatibility across multiple devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, kiosks) while ensuring an intuitive experience for all users was a significant focus.
User research was foundational, with insights gathered from interviews, workshops, and job-shadowing sessions. Personas such as Ty (Night Shift Supervisor) and James (Day Shift Colleague) highlighted specific needs like real-time productivity tracking and the ability to earn extra shifts. Journey maps revealed critical touchpoints, such as task allocation during shift changes and compliance reporting, which directly informed feature prioritization. This research ensured the app was user-centered and addressed key pain points effectively.
Onboarding was designed with simplicity and clarity in mind. Employees were introduced to the app through role-specific tutorials and interactive demos. Features like a guided task list, real-time alerts, and intuitive navigation helped users quickly understand the app's functionalities. The onboarding process also emphasized the app's benefits, such as improved efficiency and the ability to earn rewards, fostering immediate buy-in and engagement.
Key features included real-time task assignment, performance tracking dashboards, and productivity metrics displayed via color-coded statuses (e.g., red/yellow/green). Supervisors could reassign roles dynamically, while colleagues received instant updates on their tasks and productivity scores. The app also supported image capture for incident reporting and barcode scanning for audits, streamlining previously manual processes. These innovations improved efficiency by reducing administrative overhead and enabling faster decision-making.
The app was designed to be accessible across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, ensuring usability for employees regardless of their technical proficiency. Features like voice interaction and visual aids made the app intuitive for diverse users. Additionally, language and interface simplicity were prioritized to cater to colleagues with varying levels of literacy and familiarity with digital tools.
Data analytics were integral, providing supervisors and senior supervisors with actionable insights through dashboards. Metrics on task completion, absenteeism, and productivity trends allowed management to make informed decisions in real time. For example, performance tracking highlighted top performers, enabling supervisors to send instant recognition or adjust tasks to optimize efficiency. Similarly, compliance and safety data ensured proactive management of potential issues.
Collaboration was achieved through workshops, stakeholder interviews, and iterative prototyping sessions. Stakeholders, including senior supervisors and HR teams, provided input on operational priorities, while technical teams ensured the app’s feasibility and scalability. Frequent design reviews ensured alignment with Loblaw's goals of improving productivity and enhancing employee engagement. This iterative approach allowed for continuous refinement and stakeholder buy-in.
The app successfully reduced administrative tasks, improved shift productivity, and increased employee engagement through features like task reassignment and real-time notifications. User feedback highlighted areas for improvement, such as refining task reporting and adding more comprehensive compliance tools. This feedback was incorporated into iterative updates, ensuring the app remained responsive to user needs and continued to drive operational improvements.
The app was designed to be accessible across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, ensuring usability for employees regardless of their technical proficiency. Features like voice interaction and visual aids made the app intuitive for diverse users. Additionally, language and interface simplicity were prioritized to cater to colleagues with varying levels of literacy and familiarity with digital tools.
