In4systems is launching a new mobile version of its Promaster asset management solution, developed in consultation with Longhurst Group, Magenta Living and other In4systems housing customers.
The company reported that it had adopted a new approach to the design of the new mobile product, based on user-centred design (UCD) processes to gain a comprehensive view and understanding of end-users’ requirements and how they work in the field.
John Buckland, director, In4systems, said, “Through working with customers, this exercise has provided great insights into the challenges that users face in their day to day roles, alongside helping to ensure that Promaster Mobile is suitable for a variety of tasks and different environments.”
In4systems observed some of its housing customers’ surveyors in the field and received their feedback when testing the prototype interfaces. These insights were applied to the design of Promaster Mobile, resulting in the development of a simpler, intuitive and more user-centric mobile solution.
Scott Lewis, asset programme surveyor, Magenta Living, said, “For me, the interface was easy to use and didn’t take long to become familiar. The interaction, process flow and accessibility of different elements was quite simple and enabled useful data input and storage via the stylus. The prototype offered a tangible insight into the design concept and user interface of the mobile application.”
One of the key objectives of the project was to ensure that the new mobile solution wasn’t merely a direct replication of the existing solution. It has been designed to work across different platforms (Android, iOS and Microsoft) and is capable of working offline in areas where there is little or no mobile signal coverage.
Gavin Black, senior project manager for business improvement, Longhurst Group, said, “The design and development of Promaster Mobile 4 has been a refreshing approach to software development. From the early stages of requirements gathering, to the user experience sessions and beta testing, the project has focused on the needs of surveyors and asset managers as the key stakeholders.”
