Routes in logistics
Route design: first for cargo carriers, later for everyone
My role
I am the only designer on this product in a team of 2 product owners and 5+ developers. I am working on the interface from the start till now.
The first version of routes for the cargo carrier
Problem and goal
Not all cargo carriers use fueling service within the platform. By offering to build a route according to the application for the cargo transportation with the ability to calculate profitable fueling stations, we could increase the number of fueling service customers. And to help the user profitably refuel, of course.
Solution
Routes section with the ability to calculate a profitable route by cost or time. But in order to build a route, the user must have an active application for the cargo transportation.
Competitors and analogues
There are not many competitive solutions in logistics. They are either overloaded with information and suffer from poor UI, or Yandex (large scale digital corporation in Russia).
Most platforms are closed for user before the conclusion of the contract, so it is very difficult to see full functionality. First of all, we were looking for solutions with route optimization by fuel cost or distance, as these are the key functions of the project.
Most platforms are closed for user before the conclusion of the contract, so it is very difficult to see full functionality. First of all, we were looking for solutions with route optimization by fuel cost or distance, as these are the key functions of the project.
Userflow of the version 1
UI of the version 1
First you need to enter data for optimization
Then you can see the route on the map and see each gas station with discount prices
Key results on the version 1
In the 3 months after the release of the feature, only 8 unique users built and saved routes. We had not really good start. Further, the service lived on maintenance with plans to redesign for a wider user audience.
Here are some examples of testimonials from surveyed users:
Here are some examples of testimonials from surveyed users:
Routes — new version
Problem and goal
Our user first wants to see the route at the map, and only then optimize it if the route suits him. This time, the client was the product owner of the Digital Way product zone: their main task is to transfer users online as much as possible and at the same time increase interest in the digital services of the platform.
Solution
1) Application for the cargo transportation doesn't matter now: no matter what role the user has, everyone can build routes. 2) First the map, then the optimization (hasn't even been released yet).
Competitors and analogues
Still the same situation in logistics. Focused on the mechanics of popular large general services with maps: Yandex maps, Google maps, 2GIS (another large russian map service).
Userflow of the new version
UI of the new version
MVP without fuel prices
With fuel prices
Key results for the new version
For the 1st month after the release of new routes, 83 unique users built routes. The hypothesis that it is more important for users to first look at the map was confirmed.
However, in its current state, the Routes does not make money on its own. Further development of this section is not a priority compared to other product features. So the optimization is on hold now.
But there are opportunities for further scaling. For example, combine routes and search for cargo on the map. Thus, in the future, you can immediately find an application for transportation with the profitable fueling stations — all on one map without switching between windows.
However, in its current state, the Routes does not make money on its own. Further development of this section is not a priority compared to other product features. So the optimization is on hold now.
But there are opportunities for further scaling. For example, combine routes and search for cargo on the map. Thus, in the future, you can immediately find an application for transportation with the profitable fueling stations — all on one map without switching between windows.
