Zach Johnson
Applicators are the folks within ag retail operations that actually apply the products to the fields. These talented drivers follow the schedule that the manager creates, but are the folks actively driving the machines as chemicals are applied.
Quality is key for an applicator. They consider variables such as windspeed, application speed, application rate, coverage area, and more as they apply to ensure chemicals are applied safely, with minimal runoff, and decreased environmental impacts.
Additionally, they are key for efficiency within the operation. We've built an Applicator App as a tool for these drivers to keep track of the countless variables of applying, alerting them in real-time of adjustments they can make to improve their work.
Myself, designer
Product manager
2 developers
Design: December 2020,
November 2021
Development: November 2021
- Present
Buttons and colors and text, oh my!
Prior to joining the company, an applicator app 1.0 was developed without any designers present. While functional, we received countless feedback from users that it is bulky and difficult to use.
Applicators are the key to an efficient, quality ag retail operation. The first application had a large learning curve and was slow to use.
Our goal was to streamline the user experience, improve the consistency of the UI, and remove unnecessary features while adding user-tested functionality improvements.
We visited numerous customers to watch them work and learn about their process. We listened to their feedback, and presented prototypes to refine our designs.
We landed on a refactored design focused on streamlining the main user flow, but also improved our error screens to provide context and steps to fix any issues that arise.
Users are able to view relevant weather and speed information as they apply and work order information after they apply. They are able to connect with their tender truck driver to ensure efficient handoff of products. And they can view their schedule and route all on one screen.
28 years old
M
Farmed his whole life
Get the most acres completed
Apply at a high quality to help
the local farmers
Lives in a small home with his wife and child.
He's worked for the co-op for 4 years, and
became an applicator last year. He loves sports,
hunting, and takes pride in the work that he does.
Competitive, community-focused,
hardworking, kind
After visiting our users, we created the following designs. They were just that — a quick and dirty stab at a solution. We knew that we missed things in the designs, but by revitalizing the design, these screenshots acted as a conversation starter and foundation for our redesign.
After visiting our users, we created the following designs. They were just that — a quick and dirty stab at a solution. We knew that we missed things in the designs, but by revitalizing the design, these screenshots acted as a conversation starter and foundation for our redesign.
