Drivers Dilemma
Exploring the trucking industry from the perspective of the driver
Introduction
This is a product design project. Not a concept created from inspiration, rather a sequence of exploratory movements that resulted in a product. What does that mean in literal steps? I started with an industry and occupation, leveraged personal experience with it, pursued a research path to discover problem spaces, and created a solution to address a problem space.
There is no corporation or business driving this exploration, so the information and solution is available for development. Please contact me if you would like to fund development of the independent driver mentor program that I created.
Materials and objectives
Materials
Figma
Excalidraw
Pen and Paper
Figjam
The objective of this report was to explore the truck driving industry to create a useful product that could make truck drivers lives easier.
Warning: Excessive Driving Puns Beyond This Point
Phase 1: Loading the Goods
Contextual Interviews
Conducted contextual interviews with truck drivers to assess the problem space
My personal experience in the trucking industry gives me an inside perspective of the in
Special thanks to Shelly, driver of the Rainbow Rider truck, for a very informative contextual interview. We covered a lot of miles from how Shelly got into truck driving, issues she’s had with trucking companies and other truck drivers, and where the industry is going. We also spoke with deference to the LGBTQ+ community and mere lip service most companies extend to their needs and rights. Her interview helped to inform the next segment of research: Speed dating.
Speed Dating Research
Examine the problem space and drawing current and future scenarios
Write clarifying questions, one each, for each current and future scenario
Go to a truck stop to research with the speed dating cards to assess future scenarios
Analyze reactions to get a better sense of how real people will use the new technology
Phase 2: Tracing A Route
After loading up on research, it was a good time to explore a few routes.
Phase 3: Delivering the Goods
Content Audit
Do you remember reading maps? I do. Before the days of smartphones, we had books of maps called atlas’. In those days we would literally trace routes in an atlas, and write down our own turn by turn directions. Likewise, before designing a website prototype it’s really helpful to see what other companies are driving.
My solution: a mentoring mobile website for truck drivers. It’s a space where new drivers can talk to experienced drivers, and do so within a space where there is no overt agenda as there is when talking to a recruiter or someone deeply invested in their corporate culture.
Prototyping
After exploring similar websites and examining visual and content elements, it was clear that a simple accessible website would best address the needs of those seeking to get jobs. It could also have a help those who want to advance in their careers into different fields of driving.
Conclusion
Providing an alternate route gives drivers an opportunity to communicate and form relationships with other drivers while getting practical guidance for an industry where they must be wary of many employers.
The thing I’m excited to tackle is what could be the next feature for the site. There is further opportunity for job referrals, career advisors, life coaches and even psychologists that might specialize in helping transportation professionals.
