Enterprise UX · Operational decision support
Operational complexity into confident action
I led UX direction for a multi-layer planning system that turns coal quality, rolling-stock availability and operational constraints into clear, actionable logistics decisions.
When every signal changes the plan
In coal logistics, a change in quality, railcar availability or unloading capacity can ripple through the entire plan. Operators need to see what changed, understand the operational impact and decide what to do next—without having to decode a wall of data while the situation is moving.
Designing the decision surface
The system brought together tightly connected data: coal quality and forecasts; railcar location, availability and condition; mine throughput; unloading capacity; routes and operating restrictions. I led UX direction and team management for the planning experience, ensuring that this depth of information stayed available without making the everyday task feel overwhelming.
Make the next move obvious
We designed a table-based interface that compresses complex operational data into a scannable working view. Colour keys surfaced status and exceptions; shapes distinguished types and states; typography made hierarchy and priority clear. Flexible table layouts let operators move from the overall plan to the detail that explains an issue, communicate it to others and compare the available responses.
From recommendation to response
The optimisation model creates shipment recommendations from live constraints. The interface makes those recommendations usable: operators can navigate the plan, understand the trade-offs, address disruptions and act with confidence. The aim was not to replace judgment, but to give it the clarity and speed that a live operation demands.
Turning plans into operational value
The project delivered an $800k benefit during its first ten months of operation. It was a cross-functional outcome, combining the optimisation model, operational knowledge and the decision-support experience that brought the plan into day-to-day use.
operational benefit
During the first ten months of operation.
Read the signals
Quality, capacity and rolling-stock data
Find the best plan
Optimisation across live constraints
Understand the impact
Clear tables, colour and hierarchy
Respond with confidence
Communicate, resolve and act