Pacific Gas and Electric
2018
Mapping the Future: Building a Field Tool for Utility Inspections
Developing a mapping tool for field users to locate gas and electric lines in California that led to a successful pilot and full-company future rollout.
User Experience Design
Usability Research and Testing
Customer Journey Mapping
I developed a mapping tool that allows field users to locate facilities such as gas and electric lines in California. Initially intended to help inspectors log their work, the project evolved based on user feedback.
Pivoting to User Needs: Creating an MVP
After presenting wireframes and proposed functionalities to our users, we learned they preferred a simple map baselayer with their work assets displayed. This feedback prompted us to pivot our focus and create an MVP that addressed their immediate needs.
Conducting a Successful Pilot Rollout
We rolled out the first version with a pilot group of 25 users, meeting regularly to answer questions and better understand their use cases. This collaborative approach helped refine the tool based on real-world feedback.
Key User Insights and Feature Requests
During our discussions, two primary requests emerged:
Editing Inaccuracies: Users wanted to know how they could correct inaccuracies on the map.
Safety Intelligence Sharing: There was a demand for a feature that allowed users to share and view safety intel about specific locations.
Building Momentum: From Pilot to Expansion
Following the pilot, word about the app spread organically, leading to a list of 250 referrals for the next rollout of Maps+, demonstrating strong interest and demand in the field.