Case overview: Prysmian

Redesigning Prysmian Group’s Time Tracking Application

Project Overview

Prysmian Group, a world leader in energy transition technologies, needed a redesign of their outdated time tracking application. The existing tool, created in 2004, was rarely used by employees and managers, leading to inefficiencies and frustration. My task as a UX Designer was to create a modern, user-friendly solution that would motivate employees to track their hours and streamline the process for managers.This was a work in progress, and the goal was to deliver a low-fidelity prototype that addressed the core pain points while laying the foundation for future development.

Challenges

The problem was clear: employees weren’t using the current time tracking application. Through research, I discovered two main reasons for this:

Outdated Design: The app felt like a hassle to use. Its clunky, outdated interface made employees procrastinate until the end of the week, which often led to forgotten entries.‍
Lack of Motivation: Since another party would fill in the hours if they were forgotten, employees didn’t feel accountable. Combined with the app’s inefficiency, this created a cycle of neglect.

The big question I started with was:

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“How might we design a time tracking tool that employees actually want to use?”

My Approach

Research & Discovery

I used both qualitative and quantitative methods to dig deeper into the problem. Through interviews and empathy mapping, I uncovered the employees’ pain points and motivational drivers. Key insights included:

Employees wanted a tool that was efficient and easy to use.
They needed a better way to handle tasks like checking in, tracking hours, and requesting time off.
Managers wanted a streamlined process to oversee schedules and approvals.

User Flow & Information Architecture

Since the client had already decided on a web app as the medium, I focused on simplifying the user flow. I created a flow chart to eliminate clutter and ensure the app was as intuitive as possible. The goal was to make time tracking feel effortless, not like a chore.

A user flow chart for the Prysmian project, showing user roles (Manager and Employees) navigating through modules such as Login, Add Client, Planning, Projects, Schedule, and Time Off, with interconnected steps like Week Overview, Project creation, SAP, Work Descriptions, and Hours management.

Low-Fidelity Prototyping

I used an iterative sprint approach to create three versions of the prototype, eventually working toward an MVP. Here’s how it broke down:

Iteration 1
I focused on the general layout and user flow. This version included designs for key pages like the client overview and adding a new project. I held a validation session with two team leaders to identify pain points and brainstorm improvements.

A design from the low fidelity prototype showcasing adding new client and editing.

Iteration 2
I focused on the general layout and user flow. This version included designs for key pages like the client overview and adding a new project. I held a validation session with two team leaders to identify pain points and brainstorm improvements.

A design from the low fidelity prototype showcasing the planning overview.

Key features

Simplified User Flow
The app was designed to be intuitive, with minimal steps to complete tasks like logging hours or requesting time off.

Interactive Components
I added interactive elements to simulate the experience and gather feedback on usability.
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Streamlined Navigation
Card sorting helped me organize the information architecture, making it easier for users to find what they needed.

Future Steps

While this phase focused on creating a low-fidelity prototype, the next steps would involve:

Expanding research to include more employees and managers to ensure the solution meets everyone’s needs.
Developing a high-fidelity prototype with a polished UI and additional features.
Testing the MVP with a larger group of users to validate the design before full development.

The Outcome

This project was a great example of how user-centered design can solve real-world problems. By focusing on the needs of Prysmian’s employees and managers, I was able to create a low-fidelity prototype that addressed their pain points and set the stage for a more efficient, user-friendly time tracking tool. The iterative process and close collaboration with stakeholders ensured the solution was on the right track, and I’m excited to see how it evolves in the next phase.