Collage of Atlas dark mode screenshots.

Atlas

Atlas is a vehicle data simulator tool that lets users go around the issue of gathering real vehicle data, which is both costly and time consuming. This leads to repetitive datasets with low variation. Atlas is an enabler to other digital transport services by populating them with simulated vehicle data. The simulated data helps to see if everything works as intended, or for doing live demos and showcasing the value of the service. This was an internal project I did at Volvo Group Innovation Lab. I got the opportunity to design the UI for the new version of Atlas.


Atlas can be found live at this link.

Type of project
Internal company project

When

Spring 2024

Tool

Figma

Challenges & Constraints

  • The tool was already functionally defined, so I worked within an existing structure, although not ideal from a UX perspective.

  • There was no ambition for an extensive UX review, but I still conducted an evaluation of the old version to back up my UI decisions.

  • The project was proof-of-concept level, meaning no full usability testing or fine-tuning for market readiness.

Approach

  • Review of the old version. Identified usability pain points (e.g., navigation issues, unclear data visualization, workflow inefficiencies).

  • UI Design. Focused on creating a modern looking interface that was easy to use.

  • Implementation Support. Worked closely with developers to ensure the UI is possible to implement and well understood.

The Redesign

Collage of Atlas light mode screenshots

Above is a collage of Atlas screens in light mode. (More images to come). The redesign of Atlas has the following features:

  • Create fleets.
  • Add drivers and vehicles to your fleet.
  • Create scenarios. A scenario is basically a route with different activities performed at different locations. The activity types are:
    • Loading – specify how much weight will be added, and duration of the activity.
    • Unloading – same as above.
    • Resting – Just a duration.
  • Schedule vehicles and drivers to run a scenario. This will trigger simulations.
    • Choose how frequently simulations should be triggered.
  • Overview your simulations, (past, current and upcoming) in a history log.
  • See basic vehicle data parameters such as fuel level, speed and odometer.
  • See your simulated vehicles driving around on the map.

Outcome

  • A lot of new, never seen before features became tangible, concrete and visible.

  • Improved workflows based on my UX review, despite the project’s limited scope.

  • The updated UI made the tool more presentable for demos and internal use.

  • There is still some differences between the Figma prototype and the real application. But Atlas is continuosly being updated, becoming prettier each time :)

Reflections

  • Adapting to constraints: Since this wasn’t a full UX project, I had to balance making improvements with respecting existing limitations. This was sometimes 

  • This was my first time working closely with developers and seeing my design come to life, from Figma wireframe to a fully implemented application. It was one of the most fun and exciting projects I’ve worked on.