03

ADR Fleet Management

Design and evaluation of SaaS interfaces for autonomous delivery robot fleet management, focusing on social sustainability for operators with limited technical literacy.

CLIENT

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

ROLE

HCI RESEARCHER

RESPONSIBILITIES

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, UX RESEARCH, UI DESIGN

PROJECT DURATION

JUNE - SEPT 2024 (3 MONTHS)

JUNE - SEPT 2024 (3 MONTHS)

autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup
autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup
autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup
autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup

INTRO

ADR management is complex, limiting its growth.


Current research and products for ADR management focus on function and technicality, with complicated interfaces, resulting in resistance to system change to using ADRs from logistics staff. Intuitive, adaptive solutions which simplify operations for entry level operators can unlock higher potential for logistics innovation.

67

67

67

%

Increased User Efficiency

65

65

65

+

Research Participants

85

85

85

%

New System User Satisfaction

RESEARCH

Mixed methods approach shaped ADR interfaces to balance automation, usability & sustainability.


Research through interviews, surveys, and evaluations revealed public concerns about job displacement, safety, and ADR community benefits. Logistics professionals sought intuitive workflows and consistent data, while HCI experts emphasised role-based access and visual alignment for SaaS user flow. These insights shaped the information architecture for centralised and decentralised ADR interfaces.

DESIGN

Research informed key variables - cognitive workload, interdepartmental dynamics, and public perception


The research focused on cognitive workload, interdepartmental dynamics, and ADR adoption's public impact. User personas and storyboards defined tasks for entry-level operators, while information architecture differentiated centralised and decentralised interfaces for A/B testing. Sketches led to 24 screen concepts, refined into high-fidelity Figma prototypes for usability testing and an immersive experience.

SOLUTION

Balanced ADR interface optimises operator workflow, improve business efficiency, and fosters public value


The project evaluates centralised and decentralised interfaces to optimise workflows for entry-level ADR operators, enhancing usability, productivity, and retention. Emphasising upskilling and sustainability supports business growth, ensuring seamless public interaction with ADRs and promoting wider adoption.

centralised interface screen mockup
centralised interface screen mockup
decentralised interface screen mockup
decentralised interface screen mockup

"

The system is efficient for monitoring, assigning tasks, and handling incidents... the task assignment feature was straightforward.

The system is efficient for monitoring, assigning tasks, and handling incidents... the task assignment feature was straightforward.

  • ANDY (PARTICIPANT 5)

  • ANDY (PARTICIPANT 5)

"

decentralised public engagement interface mockup
decentralised public engagement interface mockup

EVALUATION

Inclusion of tutorials, clearer guides & iconography can further usability of ADR management system



Testing with participants with limited logistics experience showed both systems reduced cognitive workload and improved usability, with a preference for the decentralised system. While public trust was positive, safety and interaction concerns persisted. Users found the design intuitive but encountered some navigation and feature learning curves. Data analysis using NASA-TLX, SUS, PCIS, thematic analysis, and SPSS identified key barriers, guiding design refinements.

autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup
autonomous delivery robot management interface mockup

REFLECTION

Research limitations, implications & future directions


Small sample size and single prototype iteration limited insights, suggesting the need for larger samples and more iterations. Limited prototype functionality may have influenced feedback on efficiency and usability. Applying HCI principles to ADR logistics focused on social sustainability and usability for non-technical users, offering insights for fleet management. Future research should explore AI integration, incident response, and the long-term impacts of centralised versus decentralised systems.