3D Models On Mobile
UX research on Autodesk PlanGrid Build mobile application
Product Overview
PlanGrid Build is a mobile app available for Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) users, designated for construction site professionals, allowing file management, project management, and quality management. Inter alia, by way of allowing users to view and interact with 3D models of their projects.
Research Overview
In the year prior to the research, the ACC Viewing team launched multiple new features to allow field users to view, navigate and interact with 3D models on mobile. As part of my internship at Autodesk, I have been asked to take a step back and evaluate what can be done to improve those features and how.
My Role
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Planning
Recruiting
Conducting Study
Analysis
Share Out
Evaluative Research Goals
Identify functionality gaps and new feature ideas
Surface challenges users experience with current 3D models on mobile
Identify opportunities for improvements of existing features
Methodology and Procedure
Usability Testing
10 Participants
60 Minutes Sessions
Online Zoom Call +
On Site
Recruited participants
Process and Challenges
Research Questions
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How do users manage to use the features that are currently provided?
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Can users understand what the icons represent?
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How do users navigate inside the 3D model?
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Are there features that users potentially need that does not exist?
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Is there feasibility for a "reset model" button"?
In order to validate the research questions, we performed moderated usability testing, using “Think Aloud” technique, giving the participants scenarios and tasks to perform in PlanGrid Build, while guiding us through.
Navigate inside the 3D model
Navigate between levels
Navigate between 3D <> 2D views
Interact with different objects both in 3D and 2D views
Reset the model
Recruiting Participants
The recruiting process was challenging, as we targeted certain personas with relevant experience. In addition, prior preparation and effort were required on the part of the participants. Since the response to the participation invitation was not sufficient, I requested internal CSMs to refer relevant users and approached a number of Autodesk employees with past experience in construction. In the end, we got a very good sample.
Remote Usability Testing
This research was the first time Autodesk conducted remote research with the participants’ personal mobile devices. Most of the sessions were done remotely, and the participants had to use their personal devices and share its screen, which was challenging in terms of privacy and caused technical issues, which were difficult to overcome due to the physical distance.
Findings
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The analysis process was done by “thematic coding”; we used the “Dovetail” platform to tag the sessions' transcripts according to each feature and their related themes.
HotSpot Interaction
Insights
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Participants weren't aware of the existence of the HotSpot
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Didn’t understand that the blue dot icon is clickable.
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Didn’t understand how to tap to use the HotSpot
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Struggled to select specific objects
Available both in 3D and 2D, enabling several interactions with objects. Users need to click on the object for the HotSpot to appear and then click on it again to hide, isolate or display the object's properties.
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“Press and hold feature I was hoping would work. Like if I just press and hold and that doesn't pop up”
Michael, PM
Improvements Suggestions
HotSpot will appear by long-press gesture - prevents slips
The HotSpot menu will immediately be opened
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2D View
Insights
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Participants argued for lack of functionality in the 2D view
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Expected to have a toolbar from their past experience with different products
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Unanimously wished to have measurement tools
Users can switch between 3D and 2D views to watch model plan such as floor plans, plumbing plans, etc.
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“I was looking for the toolbar that you normally see where you can measure. It's usually over to the side"
Paul, senior superintendent
Improvements Suggestions
Moving the "PlaceMe" button, so it will be part of the new toolbar
Adding a functioning toolbar including measurement tools, which correlates with the 3D toolbar design and position
Joystick Design
Insights
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Participants tried to move by clicking on the arrows which are not clickable, and serve only as an indicator of where to drag the joystick.
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Left-handed participants struggled to use the joystick since it is located on the right side of the screen
The Joystick allows users to navigate inside the 3D model, by dragging it in the direction they want to move.
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“I was tapping on the little arrows, but I guess those aren’t actually buttons”
Sonny, former PM
Improvements Suggestions
Current Design
Suggestion #1
Draw the users’ attention to the center by changing the arrows’ location
Suggestion #2
Change the arrows’ color so it will be less stimulating
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In addition, allowing the users to change the joystick's settings and customize its location, to generate a more inclusive design
Summary
The research produced a large number of insights in a short amount of time. 30 insights regarding 10 themes and features, were translated into 12 concrete suggestions for improving specific features. The research was presented to several Autodesk teams and was positively expected. The research’s results and conclusions are planned to be executed during 2023.
