01_The problem
Communication in the AECO sector
is scarce and complex
In the construction and AECO sector, there is a communication gap between office staff and on-site personnel.
This project aims to bring communication technologies into the work environment, bridging the gap between the office and the construction site with a user-centered approach.
02_Research and Diagnosis
77%
of AECO companies miss deadlines due to poor information management
Only
30%
of companies use software to consolidate project information.
Communication gap
analysis
10 structured interviews, 4 collaborative workshops, and over 20 hours of on-site and office observation were conducted.
Based on the analysis, a communication gap map was developed, identifying 12 critical points of information loss, representing up to 40% of project delays and 12% of cost overruns due to lack of communication.
03_Definition of Objectives and Design Testing
Objectives
- Improve communication and operational efficiency
- Reduce operational costs
- Enhance user understanding and satisfaction
- Contribute to technological adoption in the sector
KPIs
Number of project queries to the office
Number of errors detected and resolved during the same period
Comparison of management costs with and without the application
Number of drawing/model interpretation errors
Overall satisfaction level with the tool (UX Score or NPS)
Percentage of monthly active users (MAU)
Augmented reality gained relevance by enabling the direct visualization of 3D BIM models on-site, improving spatial understanding and reducing interpretation errors by up to 30%.
The conceptual design focused on developing a functional MVP to continue comparing data, assessing communication, and validating the project’s technical and operational feasibility.
The design was structured through wireframes in Figma and ad-hoc development, culminating in the launch of the professional version after MVP validation.
04_MVP
The MVP allowed us to validate hypotheses and refine the experience
through continuous iterations.
The MVP allowed us to validate the initial hypotheses regarding user needs and the communication flows between the office and the construction site.
Through continuous iterations, opportunities for improvement in usability and information structure were identified.
For its development, Bootstrap was used as a foundation, along with basic wireframes and mockups.
05_Professional version of the web application
The MVP validated 3D visualization and basic collaboration between teams within a single environment.
After analyzing the usage of 10 pilot teams, it was found that 70% of the projects involved multiple companies, which led to a hierarchical architecture based on companies, users, and active projects.
The viewer was optimized to work with BIM models and their databases, enabling comprehensive management of the project lifecycle.
Cards Initial version
Cards Iterated version
Change in the cards
and real feedback
During testing, specific challenges arose, such as confusion between projects with similar names and difficulty remembering progress states.
Although visually more consistent, 72% of users had trouble locating specific projects.
This was resolved by incorporating unique and customizable colors and icons, as well as dynamic status labels, which improved identification by 65% and increased user engagement with the design.
3D Models BIM viewer
10% increase in AR mobile app usage after qualitative research and design
Using Smartlook and Hotjar, we found that only 12% of users viewed the models in AR.
To improve this, we added a QR shortcut from the web viewer and renamed key buttons in the navbar.
The change increased AR views by 10% and reduced access time by 15%, enabling faster analysis.
File management
Team management
Dashboard, e-commerce and design system.
Created based on
user journey
After more than 200 hours of research, and the creation of the user journey and user personas, we transformed the platform into a SaaS to adapt it to the different stages of construction.
We developed a control dashboard and an e-commerce, which drove the creation of a design system that optimized development by 40%.
06_Mobile Application (AR)
AR to bring
the office to the construction site
The development of the augmented reality application posed a challenge due to the limited documentation available on AR design.
After a comparative analysis of the few existing competitors and a study of trends from major tech companies, an approach was defined that combined familiar mobile patterns with simple 3D interactions at key points.
Measure tool
Interactions in the 3D space are guided to optimize user understanding.
An initial tutorial of less than 30 seconds explains step by step how to use the tool for the first time.
BIM Data tool
Issue traking solution
In addition to the core application, integrable solutions can be acquired to expand its capabilities depending on the construction phase.
These solutions allow the digitalization of complex construction processes, reducing planning time and the resolution of specific problems by up to 30%.
AR menu toolbar
Development of horizontal menu
thanks to partner feedback
The interfaces have been optimized to work in both portrait and landscape orientations, a functionality initially dismissed due to its development complexity.
Upon receiving the first partner videos, we observed that 80% were recorded in landscape, which prompted a usability and feasibility study.
All menus include intuitive iconography that simplifies complex actions, such as placing a digital anchor or adjusting the opacity of 3D objects.
Images for Android and iOS markets
07_VR Glasses Application
Objective: the same ecosystem regardless of the device
VT-Platform applies the same design language across AR, VR, and Web, reducing learning time by 30% when switching between technologies.
This unification reinforces the feeling of a coherent system rather than independent applications.
In VR, where users face greater challenges due to device complexity, special effort has been made to improve usability and comprehension.
Model selection and settings in virtual reality
Phases of Tool Design and VR Menu Layout
The application’s tools went through several stages of development. In the MVP, users could only combine tools to create custom solutions; predefined solutions did not exist.
After the initial feedback, we found that 70% of users were unable to create solutions, as they didn’t know what each combination offered. To address this, we introduced closed packages with one-way workflows, with a clear start and end.
The success of the predefined solutions was measured in sales: the closed packages accounted for 40% of total purchases during the first three months after their introduction.
When selecting a model, the user enters the immersive scene, with a menu on the left controller.
Using the pointer on the right hand, they can select menu options, emulating the functionality of a mouse and making it easier to use.
08_The result
After studying the type of user, conducting usability tests, A/B tests, and developing user profiles, I was able to create a simple cross-platform VR/AR/WEB interface. The interface brings all the advantages of VT-Platform to the average construction user.
.
A design system with over 200 elements was created, enabling the interface to be built quickly and easily, giving the project a unique identity, improving usability, and simplifying development.
.
All of this is reflected in its usage, with a total of 1,000 registered companies and thousands of people using it daily in various construction environments around the world.
.
Throughout this project, I learned the importance of user testing and how solid research can lay the foundation for a functional interface. I also learned several project organization and feedback-gathering techniques, such as A/B testing, planning user interviews, and creating user personas.
Want to know how this product sold? Take a look at the website creation.