Innovation in Everything We Do
NPX Innovation, a company focused on streamlining nuclear plant operations, tackles the challenge of paper-based processes with a suite of digital solutions. Their vision centers around a SaaS web application that empowers customers to compile data and regulatory requirements for nuclear power plant operating licenses. This application not only streamlines compliance with construction requirements but also offers a time-saving advantage by allowing customers to reuse past data for future applications.
NPX approached us with the goal of developing a platform to address a critical challenge in the nuclear power industry: managing the complex and time-consuming process of applying for new plant licenses and regulations. The current process, often spanning several years, can lead to lost documents and difficulty tracking application status. The NPX platform aims to streamline this process, ensuring efficient document management and real-time visibility into application progress.
Pioneering a new approach to nuclear plant operations presented a unique challenge: a lack of existing design inspiration due to the specialized nature of the field. Furthermore, thoroughly understanding the specific requirements of nuclear plants and organizations was essential for effective design. Anticipating these obstacles, we proactively explored alternative approaches. We began by developing detailed user personas representing typical power plant personnel. These personas then served as a foundation for streamlining and optimizing the workflows and processes within the NPX platform.
How Might We build a comprehensive but easy to use web platform for companies looking to apply for Nuclear power plant licenses as well as manage licensing requirements, compile their data and be able to send this information to the regulatory body.
Prioritizing usability from the outset, we conducted rigorous design testing at every stage of the project. This iterative approach began with internal testing of initial concepts, allowing us to identify and address usability issues early on. These insights, coupled with a focus on clear and organized forms, ensured a user-friendly experience that effectively manages the data-driven nature of the NPX platform.
Design Iterations
Drawing inspiration from the client's existing marketing materials, we established a foundation of colors to be used throughout the design. To complement the primary palette, we carefully selected accent colors that harmonized with the overall aesthetic. We also chose fonts that were both visually appealing and functionally suitable. By leveraging Google Fonts, we ensured consistent spacing and typography across the project.
View Design System
We began by creating potential user personas that would fit the nuclear sector. We devised names for these power plants and developed brief backgrounds outlining their unique objectives. As responsible for designing both the admin panel and the front-facing platform, we prioritized consistency across both interfaces. This allowed us to leverage similar design components, ensuring a cohesive user experience.
Established in 2004, Biomass Power is a vital part of modern life in Canada. They proudly produce 10% of the entire Ontario’s electricity, contributing meaningfully to climate change and other atmospheric emissions objectives. But setting up and and maintaining a nuclear power plant comes with its own set of challenges. High capital costs, licensing and regulation approvals, coupled with long lead times and construction delays, have also deterred public interest towards nuclear energy in the past. However, if the process of licensing and regulation approvals is made easier and faster - Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the world.
Goals & Needs
Established in 2001, XYZ is a modern regulatory organization. The company falls under the jurisdiction of Federal government, was created to ensure the safe use of radioactive materials for beneficial civilian purposes while protecting people and the environment. It regulates commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials, such as in nuclear medicine, through licensing, inspection and enforcement of its requirements. During the lifecycle of any nuclear power plant separate licenses are required - a license to prepare a site; to construct; to operate; to decommission; and to abandon. However, additional information on the licensing process, may be assessed in parallel making this process very detailed and often taxing.
Goals & Needs
Information Architecture
Wireframes
Reflection
This project proved to be a rewarding experience, granting us valuable insights into the intricacies of nuclear power plant licensing applications. Despite the initial challenges presented by this unfamiliar field, we successfully designed a MVP for NPX. A core focus throughout the iterative design process was ensuring a clear and efficient form-filling experience, recognizing the critical nature of this aspect within the complex world of nuclear plant regulations.
What’s Next?
NPX's primary objective for this project was to establish a clear design direction for their application. This MVP served as a foundation for future development, allowing them to visualize the platform's potential and user experience. The next steps will involve development and user testing to further refine and optimize the NPX platform.
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