autozone
Radio-Frequency Scanner Redesign
Handheld radio-frequency (RF) scanners are used to track inventory in AutoZone’s warehouses across the US and Mexico. The interface is severely outdated and leads to costly errors, misclicks, and unnecessary repetition.
Alongside a team of designers and strategists, I worked closely with the client to understand the complex RF flows. We handed off a complete redesign and design system to developers for build.
Type
Product Design
Duration
January - March 2023
Team
4 Designers
2 Product Managers
Skills
Product Design, Interaction Design
Due to NDA, project specifics have been omitted
Please reach out for more details regarding involvement and impact.
Highlights
75+ unique screens, 1 robust design system
In the past several years, WestJet has been embarking on a digital transformation journey as part of their new strategic direction. Our goal was to redesign the entire WestJet experience, reimagining it with AI to present at their annual vendor digital day.
The pitch with a monumental success, receiving positive feedback from WestJet representatives. This fast-paced pitch landed one of Konrad's largest engagements to date.
A leading car part retailer with thousands of stores across the US and Mexico
AutoZone is one of the worlds leading automotive parts and accessory retailers with over 6,000 stores, 80,000 employees, and 12 distribution centres across the US and Mexico. They specialize in aftermarket car parts and sell to both consumers and auto body businesses.
$14.6B
Annual revenue
6000+
Stores
200,000+
square feet distribution centres
the problem
AutoZoners were struggling with outdated RF scanners, leading to fragmented warehouse management
Warehouse management software (WMS) allows AutoZone to time the flow of goods entering the warehouse and moving out to stores. The inventory in these warehouses are scanned and logged through RF scanners.
RF scanners are handheld devices that warehouse employees use to track inventory and ensure accurate order fulfillment.
With 10,000s of employees using this RF scanner to complete daily tasks, one additional step in a flow compounds into thousands of hours and dollars.
the opportunity
How might we design an RF scanner interface that improves efficiency while respecting years of learned habits?
the problem
An outdated scanner interface results in errors and wasted time
Through this prototype, Konrad was able to continue their partnership with WestJet, beating out numerous other vendors.
On Konrad’s side, this translated to over 20 FTE’s worth of work over 2 years. Implementation of this blue sky vision is currently in progress.
IMPACT
Currently in build with a happy client
The RF scanner and larger WMS redesign initiative is currently in development.
85% increased overall satisfaction
Extended contract with AutoZone
retrospective
Lessons and reflections
ownership is key
I took ownership of several key flows and often encountered occasional pushback from stakeholders due to the tight timeline. I discovered that, as a designer on a multidisciplinary team, my role is to advocate for the user experience and embrace this ownership.
create systems around people
With the fast pace of this project, we were often rapidly exploring and editing the initial colour system and type kit. I learned the importance of documenting design decisions and insights in real time. Ultimately, systems and guidelines should support the project's and team's needs, rather than constraining them.