equipment management PLATFORM
Transforming Equipment Management
ROLE
UX Designer
PLATFORM
Web
YEAR
2023
To goal was to create a digital ecosystem that would seamlessly connect volunteers, technicians, and administrators. The vision was clear: transform a chaotic paper-based process into an intuitive digital experience that would make equipment management as easy as online shopping.
Timeline
From explorations to final designs in 2 weeks while working with multiple projects at the same time
Background
Walking into the Technology Department at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham was like stepping into a time capsule. People huddled around paper forms, technicians drowning in manual recordkeeping, and administrators losing track of thousands of dollars worth of equipment. The paper-based system wasn't just outdated—it was actively undermining the department's core mission of supporting its community through technology access.
Our research phase revealed surprising insights about how deeply the manual system affected everyone involved:
Research & Analysis
Conducted stakeholder interviews and analyzed workflows to uncover inefficiencies in the manual system. Discovered that volunteers spent 47% of their time figuring out equipment availability, and technicians lost 3–4 hours daily to paperwork.
Pain Points Identified
Found that 38% of equipment had incomplete maintenance records, leading to operational delays. Identified that $12,000 worth of damage went unreported in the previous year. 89% of volunteers expressed frustration with unclear rental policies, highlighting a need for improved communication.
Human Experience Insights
Beyond inefficiencies, volunteers felt anxious due to unclear processes, and technicians were overwhelmed by manual tracking. Administrators lacked the necessary data to make informed decisions about equipment purchases and maintenance.
Bridging Worlds: From Paper to Pixels
Using the MoSCoW methodology, we prioritized features that addressed the most critical pain points while ensuring a smooth transition from paper to digital:
Digital Ecosystem Components
For Volunteers
One-click equipment booking, Real-time availability tracking, Clear policy documentation, Automated reminder system
For Technicians
Digital check-in/check-out process, Equipment condition documentation, Streamlined damage reporting, Inventory location mapping
For Administrators
Real-time inventory tracking, Maintenance scheduling, Usage analytics dashboard, Automated overdue management
The digital transformation yielded impressive results during testing:
92% reduction in processing time
84% decrease in unreported equipment damage
95% on-time return rate
4.8/5 user satisfaction score
71% reduction in checkout wait times
This journey taught us invaluable lessons about digital transformation:
User-Centricity is Sacred
Regular testing revealed that what seemed obvious to us wasn't always clear to users
Iteration Transcends Perfection
Small, continuous improvements proved more effective than pursuing perfection
Communication Creates Harmony
Regular stakeholder meetings ensured everyone was aligned and engaged
While the immediate challenges have been addressed, we've laid the groundwork for future enhancements. The system's modular design allows for easy integration of new features as BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham's needs evolve, ensuring this solution will continue to serve its community well into the future.