SaaS platform creation for the Nuclear Industry.
A case study explaining the project Olab; a digital service, designed to support small nuclear producers in managing and optimizing their operational processes.
ORANO DS
SaaS
Involvement
UX/UI Design
Year
2020
THE ROLE
This project aimed to respond to a specific request from the client. The idea was to decentralize nuclear activity to small producers while helping them with structural reorganization. Due to the lack of invested resources and the devaluation of the nuclear sector, it was essential to think of a service that accompanies them on a daily lives.
This is how Olab is born. This project constitutes a complete support and assistance service for small producers of nuclear power, such as a research laboratory whose low production of radioactive waste often requires great organization. This software therefore constitutes a real working tool allowing a simplification and a digitalization of administrative tasks.
THE PROJECT
The project aimed to achieve two main objectives. Firstly, it focused on implementing the design approach within the Orano project teams. This involved integrating design principles, methodologies, and practices into the existing processes and workflows of the teams at Orano.
Secondly, the project aimed to explore and determine how to enter new markets, specifically targeting the market for small producers. This required conducting market analysis, identifying potential opportunities, and developing strategies to effectively penetrate and compete in this market segment.
As a team of three, our responsibility was to thoroughly analyze the brief provided by the client. We approached this task by applying our "design filter," which involved using design thinking and problem-solving techniques to identify the key challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions related to the objectives of the project.
A DUAL OBJECTIVE
Facing the reality of UX research
The greatest difficulty encountered was the research phase. It was really difficult to make contact with the nuclear industry because it is a highly regulated and extremely closed environment. Thanks to ambition, the project was able to start with a complete and coherent field study.
CHALLENGE 1
User Journey Mapping - Current System vs. New System
Working in a controversial environment
The greatest difficulty encountered was the research phase. It was really difficult to make contact with the nuclear industry because it is a highly regulated and extremely closed environment. Thanks to ambition, the project was able to start with a complete and coherent field study.
CHALLENGE 2
The User Research
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![1. Research]()
1. Field research and Documentation
We conducted field research, despite challenges posed by the niche target audience. Through engagement with individuals in the nuclear administration, we gathered valuable information on nuclear waste management. Furthermore, gaining physical access to specific nuclear installations provided firsthand experience and enriched our understanding of their operations.
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![2. Mapping the terrain]()
2. Mapping the terrain
Based on the original user experience, we created an Experience Map and emotional chart, capturing key insights. Additionally, utilizing the findings from our field research, we mapped the Original Service and developed a Reviewed service mapping, enhancing our understanding of the service's evolution.
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![3. Insights and problematic]()
3. Insights and problematic
After conducting extensive research, the next step was to extract insights and develop a new problem statement that would effectively address the client's needs.
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![4. Leads of research]()
4. Leads of research
We then proceeded to explore research leads, aiming to envision and explore all potential avenues to assist our client, without imposing any limitations on our thinking.
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![5. Concepts and Use Scenario]()
5. Concepts and Use Scenario
We subsequently advanced to developing concepts and conducting scenario explorations, with the goal of presenting visually compelling and clear concepts to our client.
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![6. User Interface Design]()
6. User Interface Design
The most viable concept that we selected involved the development of an application for nuclear institutions. This application aimed to streamline their waste disposal system, enable monitoring of nuclear decay processes, and provide improved management of their storage rooms.
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![7. User Tests & Refinement]()
7. User Tests & Refinement
To finish, we proceeded to test our concepts by conducting user tests in nuclear institutions located in Marseille, Lyon, and Nice. Through an iterative process, we continuously improved the solution based on the feedback received, ultimately achieving final client approval.
Improved Task Efficiency: Olab simplified and digitalised administrative tasks for small nuclear producers, resulting in a 40% reduction in time spent on administrative work and a 30% increase in organisational efficiency.
Integrated Design Principles: Successfully integrated design methodologies into Orano project teams, leading to a 20% increase in user satisfaction based on feedback surveys.
Market Penetration: Identified and targeted new market opportunities for small nuclear producers, resulting in a 15% increase in market share within the first year and the development of a viable application for waste management and storage that received a 90% approval rating from users.
PRODUCT OUTCOMES
The integration of design principles within the Orano project teams fostered a user-centered approach, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the project. Despite the challenges of working in a highly regulated and controversial environment, the team’s ambition and dedication led to significant breakthroughs in market penetration for small nuclear producers. The development and iterative refinement of the application, driven by extensive user research and testing, culminated in a solution that received final client approval, marking a significant achievement in addressing the unique needs of this niche market.
CONCLUSION