^{Cesar Ferreira: Illustration, Iconography, Animation & Sound; Dalal Kheder: Script; Rozy Penaloza: Voice.}

What's Path?

Path by GFL Environment streamlines soil movement tracking, ensuring regulatory compliance while managing transfers between source and fill sites for stakeholders like QPs, consultants, and haulers.

What was the challenge?

GLF Environment needed a more efficient way to manage its digital soil movement tracking process while upgrading any remaining analog systems. To stay compliant with evolving government regulations, they required a solution that could accurately track soil transfers between source sites and fill sites, ensuring transparency and accountability. The platform needed to register details for all key stakeholders, including the Qualified Person (QP), consultant, third party, client, hauler, admin, and site management. The system would automate and streamline the tracking process for both a website and mobile app (iOS and Android), offering real-time monitoring, reports, end-to-end soil management, and regulatory compliance. By ensuring operational efficiency, providing greater visibility, and enabling quick adaptation to changing regulations, the platform would significantly improve soil movement management.

Competitive Analysis

In my analysis of competitors for Path by GFL Environment, I focused on several key factors. I evaluated the range of services offered by companies like Waste Management, Inc. and Republic Services, Inc., which include waste management and soil tracking, to understand their capabilities. I examined how these competitors integrate technology, utilizing digital platforms and mobile apps to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. Additionally, I explored how their platforms work, including features such as real-time tracking, automated reporting, and user-friendly dashboards that allow stakeholders to monitor soil transfers and compliance easily. This comprehensive analysis helped identify areas where Path can innovate and provide a more effective solution for soil movement management.

User Flow Overview

The user flow for Path begins with users accessing the platform through a login page, where they enter their credentials to reach the dashboard. Upon logging in, users are presented with an overview of their activities and quick access to key features such as soil movement tracking, regulatory compliance status, reports, and notifications. In the soil movement tracking section, users can either add new transfers by inputting details like source site, fill site, and involved stakeholders or view existing transfers with filtering options. The compliance dashboard allows users to review their compliance status, receive alerts for upcoming deadlines, and generate reports. The reports and analytics section enables users to generate and download various reports based on soil movement and stakeholder activity. Users can also manage their profile settings, update personal information, and log out securely. Additionally, the platform offers help and support features, ensuring users have the resources they need for a seamless experience.

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Key Wireframe Screens

The wireframes for Path include several key screens designed for efficiency and user-friendliness.

1. Login: Features input fields for username and password, alongside options for password recovery and account creation.

2. Dashboard: Provides a comprehensive overview with cards displaying total transfers, compliance status, and recent notifications, along with quick action buttons for adding new transfers and generating reports.

3. Soil Movement Tracking: Allows users to add new transfers or view existing ones, complete with filtering options for easy navigation

4. Profile Management: Enables users to update personal information and manage their account settings efficiently.

‍5. Source Sites: Manage and view various soil transfer locations

‍6. Invoices: Tracking billing and transaction details

‍7. Create a New Batch: Group multiple soil transfers into a single workflow

These wireframes aim to streamline user interactions and enhance the overall experience.

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Onboarding Process

The onboarding process for Path begins with the Register Now feature, designed to facilitate seamless account creation for new users. Upon selecting this option, users are guided through a straightforward registration form, where they can input essential information such as name, email, and password. Additionally, users can specify their roles, such as Qualified Person (QP), contractor, or third party, to tailor the platform experience to their specific needs. Once registered, users gain access to their personalized dashboard, where they can manage key functionalities, including adding and viewing Source Sites and Fill Sites for soil transfers. They can also handle invoices and create new batches, streamlining their workflow efficiently. This user-friendly onboarding experience empowers users from the outset, enhancing engagement and simplifying the management of soil movement activities.

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Dashboard Features and Functionalities

The Dashboard for Path by GFL Environment serves as a central hub for users, providing an intuitive navigation experience and essential functionalities. It features a streamlined navigation menu that allows users to easily access various sections of the platform, including soil movement tracking, compliance, and reporting. Users can utilize filters to refine data based on specific criteria such as date range or site location, enhancing their ability to manage information effectively. The Batches section enables users to view and create groups of soil transfers, simplifying the management of multiple transactions at once. Additionally, the Dashboard includes quick links to frequently used features, such as Load Activity to monitor real-time soil movements, Receiving Sites for managing fill locations, and a dedicated area for managing Qualified Persons (QPs) involved in the transfer process. The inclusion of Environmental Site Visual Reports (ESVRs) provides users with critical insights into soil conditions and compliance status. Furthermore, a Notifications panel alerts users to important updates, compliance reminders, and transfer approvals, ensuring they stay informed and proactive. This comprehensive Dashboard is designed to enhance user engagement and streamline operations, making it an essential tool for effective soil movement management.

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Source & Receiving Site

The Source & Receiving Site functionality in Path includes essential features for managing soil transfers effectively. Users can initiate the process by selecting the option to Create a New Batch, which guides them through a series of steps via a user-friendly side navigation menu. As users complete each section of the form, the navigation turns green to indicate progress, enhancing clarity and engagement. Once users navigate to the Batches Dashboard, they are presented with an overview of batch statuses, displayed in a clear table format. By clicking on a specific batch ID, users can access a detailed page containing all relevant information about that batch. Furthermore, the system allows users to edit or remove batches at any time, ensuring flexibility and control over the soil movement management process. This intuitive design supports efficient workflow and helps maintain accurate tracking of soil transfers.

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Personal, Client & Site Management Admin

Designed to empower administrators with comprehensive control over user and site information. This centralized dashboard enables admins to manage personal user accounts effectively, allowing for updates to contact details and roles to ensure that all stakeholders have the appropriate access and permissions. Additionally, the page provides functionalities for overseeing client profiles, facilitating efficient management of client-specific data and communication. A form is available for adding or editing user and client information, ensuring that all necessary details are captured accurately. Site management features further enhance this capability by allowing admins to add, edit, or remove site information, ensuring that all source and fill sites are accurately represented and up-to-date. This streamlined interface fosters effective collaboration and oversight, significantly enhancing the overall efficiency of soil movement management while ensuring compliance and transparency across the platform.

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Foundation & UI Kits for Consistent UI and Developer Efficiency

I created a design system for GFL that serves as the foundation for consistent user interfaces across both web and mobile platforms. The system incorporates the GFL brand identity, ensuring a unified look and feel throughout. It includes a comprehensive UI kit with reusable components, styles, and patterns to streamline development. Clean iconography was designed to maintain simplicity and clarity across the platform, ensuring easy recognition and usability. Micro interactions were integrated to enhance user experience, providing subtle animations and feedback that improve engagement. Additionally, detailed documentation was provided to ensure developers can easily consume and implement the design elements, enhancing collaboration between design and development teams and improving overall project efficiency.
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Iconography and Button Interactions

Iconography and buttons not only enhance usability but also add visual distinction through the use of different colors. I applied a thoughtful color palette to create a clear visual hierarchy and make key actions more intuitive. For instance, share and save buttons use attention-grabbing shades of blue, while cautionary actions like delete or archive are highlighted in red or orange. When users hover over these buttons, the color fills the button entirely, providing a visual cue that reinforces interactivity. This hover effect adds a dynamic touch, ensuring smooth navigation and clear action prompts, while maintaining the overall aesthetic cohesion of the platform.

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Prototype

I created prototypes that act as interactive representations of our design concepts, allowing for an early exploration of user experiences. By developing both low-fidelity wireframes and high-fidelity interactive models, I gathered valuable user feedback and identified usability issues before full-scale development. This iterative process not only enhanced collaboration with stakeholders but also ensured that the final product closely aligns with user needs and expectations, ultimately leading to a more user-centered design.

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Delivery

Working on big projects with quick delivery timelines requires strategic planning and efficient workflows. In these scenarios, I collaborate closely with Business Analysts (BA), business stakeholders, Product Owners (PO), and developers to ensure clear communication and quick decision-making. By leveraging mockups and prototypes, I can quickly visualize design concepts and interactions, providing immediate feedback and ensuring alignment with business goals. This approach helps to identify potential issues early, allowing for rapid iteration without compromising quality. Effective cross-functional collaboration and the ability to adapt quickly are key to meeting both tight deadlines and high expectations, resulting in a successful and timely delivery.

Final Considerations for Success

In summary, my approach to design in this project emphasizes collaboration, iteration, and user-centered thinking. By creating interactive prototypes and engaging in continuous feedback loops with stakeholders, I ensure that each aspect not only meets technical specifications but also resonates with users' needs and expectations. This commitment to quality and efficiency allows for successful project delivery, even within tight timelines. As I continue to refine my design process, I remain dedicated to leveraging insights gained from user testing and stakeholder input to create impactful and intuitive experiences.

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Supporting Path: Mobile App, Landing Page, and Video Contributions

In this project, I significantly contributed to the development of an iOS and Android mobile app designed to streamline the soil movement tracking process for GFL Environment. I also played a key role in creating a landing page that effectively communicates the platform's benefits, serving as an entry point for users to learn about the service. Additionally, I produced a promotional video that visually captures the app's functionality and its impact on efficient soil management, enhancing user engagement and understanding. By integrating these components, the project not only provides a comprehensive solution for soil movement tracking but also delivers a cohesive user experience across digital platforms, reinforcing GFL Environment's commitment to transparency and accountability in environmental practices.

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The Path is available for:

iOS, Android‍ & Website