Westshore:
Communication Rooms
The Challenge
While at Architech, I was presented with an intriguing challenge from Westshore Terminal - to develop a chat program that would function seamlessly with limited WiFi connectivity across their site. Initially, the client had a basic feed similar to a social media page, which served as a digital bulletin board. However, ongoing conversations were challenging within this format, and the need for a more comprehensive solution was evident.
Recognizing the potential to address this issue and fulfill Westshore's needs more effectively, I persuaded the client to grant me the opportunity to evaluate the project and propose enhanced solutions. Our evaluation revealed several crucial challenges and requirements that demanded innovative thinking and a user-centric approach.
Approximately 80% of the Westshore site functioned as a Faraday cage, effectively blocking all WiFi, Bluetooth, and mobile signals. This posed a significant obstacle for communication, as crucial information couldn't be relayed until employees exited these areas and typed up their reports elsewhere, often leading to vital details being overlooked or forgotten.
The Solution
In response to these challenges, I envisioned a new feature called "Rooms." This expansion of the chat functionality allowed users to create specialized spaces where they could engage in ongoing conversations, track issues, and collectively work towards solutions. Rooms were designed with robust security settings, empowering room owners to appoint moderators, control information access for specific users, and archive conversations for future reference.
Furthermore, room owners could add and assign steps towards solving problems, whether using predefined steps or creating them on-the-fly. This ensured that critical steps were never lost in the shuffle, leading to a more efficient problem-solving process. Additionally, Rooms could be connected to relevant sections of various applications, providing context and reference to the work being done.
The presentation of the "Rooms" solution to Westshore Terminal was met with great excitement and enthusiasm. The client immediately recognized the value of the feature, acknowledging that it addressed a problem they had known existed but had not been able to articulate clearly. This breakthrough feature not only enhanced their internal communication and problem-solving capabilities but also contributed to the renewal of our contract, providing the necessary time and resources to build out this transformative solution.
Conclusion
My experience working on the Westshore Terminal project was truly transformative, as it highlighted the power of innovative thinking and user-centric design in overcoming complex challenges. By leveraging technology and creativity, we not only solved immediate communication hurdles but also empowered Westshore Terminal to streamline their operations, increase efficiency, and maintain critical information for future use. This successful collaboration reaffirmed my passion for design leadership and my dedication to driving impactful solutions that leave a lasting mark on organizations and the people they serve.
