Transforming survey efficiency: Evolving 40Seven’s iOS apps
A streamlined iOS app that evolves the user experience while maintaining continuity in 40Seven’s critical survey operations.
The Problem
40Seven, a leading land and utility surveying service provider, faced the challenge of modernising their iOS apps used by their surveyors to carry out work each day. Their system was divided across two separate apps, causing inefficiencies in data entry and operations.
While the company recognised the need for an overhaul, they also required a solution that avoided drastic changes to the current workflow, ensuring business continuity during the transition.
The goal was clear: consolidate the apps into a single, unified solution that improved the UI, UX, and operational efficiency, all without disrupting the established processes that surveyors relied on daily.
Summary
- Stakeholder Interviews
- Process Mapping Workshops
- Wireframes
- Prototyping
- User Testing
The Process
From the outset we brought in a surveyor and project manager from each of the three main survey types, providing us with insights into the day-to-day processes and pain points. This design-thinking approach involved interviews and a series of process mapping workshops, where stakeholders collaboratively identified key areas for improvement.
This collaborative approach didn’t end in the office. We took the prototype out into the streets of Sheffield with a surveyor for real-world, blind testing. This hands-on feedback was important in refining the user interface and ensuring that the app performed effectively in practical, on-site scenarios. Throughout the process, the focus was on evolving the current UI to ensure a smooth transition – 40Seven needed to continue business as usual, so any dramatic changes had to be avoided.
During testing, surveyors quickly adapted to the improved UI, easily navigating the app to complete tasks efficiently. The new app prototype addressed several long-standing issues and introduced new features identified during the workshops.
Key improvements included:
- A more robust sync process for surveys, with clearer feedback when syncing to the API.
- Enhanced job grouping, making it easier for surveyors to prioritise tasks and switch between surveys.
- Streamlined data entry, enabling quicker and more accurate recording.
- Integration of helpful tools like What3Words for precise location identification.
- Improved communication between surveyors, allowing sharing of asset and access information.
- Enhanced data capture, particularly in tracking environmental factors impacting survey accuracy.
- Unified app creation
- Improved UI/UX consistency
- Streamlined survey syncing
- Field-tested with surveyors
The Solution
We delivered a unified iOS app design and feature set that consolidated all job types into a single platform and evolved the UI to maintain familiarity for users. The app's design preserved the core functionalities that surveyors relied on, while introducing improvements that enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
Throughout user testing, the prototype was well received, with surveyors easily transitioning to the new interface. The app’s enhanced syncing, better job prioritisation, and streamlined data entry significantly improved the overall user experience.
The final product, now heading into development, balances innovation with continuity, allowing 40Seven to enhance their apps without disrupting operations. Our process-focused approach, with stakeholder involvement and real-world testing, ensures that the solution delivers on both user needs and business goals.