Argus

A smart AI system for construction industry

Role

Project Lead

UI Design

Design System

Branding

UX Research

Project Lead

UI Design

Design System

Branding

UX Research

Tools

Figma

Figjam

Adobe Suit

Rhino

Keyshot

Figma

Figjam

Adobe Suit

Rhino

Keyshot

Duration

Jan-May'24

20 weeks

Jan-May'24

20 weeks

Awards

Why?

Problem

Construction sites face a high risk of fatal accidents, with

1 occurring every 10 minutes globally.


67% of employers said that miscommunications due to

language barriers were leading to inefficiency.

How?

Design Process

We spent 4 weeks researching construction challenges, followed by 6 weeks developing tech-driven solutions. In the final 10 weeks, we built and tested the Argus app and Smart AR visor, designed to improve communication, hazard detection, and safety on job sites.

We spent 4 weeks researching construction challenges, followed by 6 weeks developing tech-driven solutions. In the final 10 weeks, we built and tested the Argus app and Smart AR visor, designed to improve communication, hazard detection, and safety on job sites.

What?

End Product

A smart visor that attaches to helmet, enhancing on-site safety and communication with real-time translation, bone conduction audio, LiDAR sensors, and an AR camera. Seamlessly paired with our app, it creates a safer and more efficient work environment.

Project Video

Smart AR Visor

OLED Display UI

Mobile App

Back

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50%

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Sunny

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76ºF

20 Nov, 2023 - 15 Dec, 2024

Argus Headquarter

Task List

New Task

All

12

Today

05

To-do

In Progress

Tablet UI

Made for each other.

Made for each other.

Safety Made Simple

The smart visor’s LiDAR sensor detects hazards instantly, while the app’s 3D maps and manual reporting enhance site safety and efficiency.

Seamless Communication

Master Tools, Minimize Risks

Streamlined Site Management

Safety Made Simple

The smart visor’s LiDAR sensor detects hazards instantly, while the app’s 3D maps and manual reporting enhance site safety and efficiency.

Seamless Communication

Master Tools, Minimize Risks

Streamlined Site Management

Research

How did we get here?

To gain deep insights into the construction industry, we adopted an ethnographic approach, conducting primary research directly on 7 different construction sites.

Our Goals

Observing the work environment, the challenges faced by workers, and how new technologies might be adapted to address their specific needs.

Observing the work environment, the challenges faced by workers, and how new technologies might be adapted to address their specific needs.

What we discovered..

  1. Communication gaps and language barriers led to costly errors and rework.

  1. A lack of training left workers unprepared, compromising both safety and efficiency.

  1. Workers lacked a way to report safety hazards, increasing site risks.

  1. Workers relied on Google Translate, resulting in slow and inefficient communication.

5. Hands-free, user-friendly tech is crucial, as workers struggle with gloves and damaged phones.

"Even if you complete safety training, you can’t recognize or remember everything when you’re in the middle of work."

Safety Manager

"It's crucial how the product aids individuals in executing their job and whether it simplifies their tasks or not."

IT Project Manager, BrightView

"When it comes to language barriers, it’s common for them to nod their head — you think they understand, but they don’t."

Project Manager

"A single mistake can cause months of delays, requiring new materials to be ordered and delivered."

Ben, Con Education

Department at Procore

"New helmets with chin straps are now being mandated by major companies to enhance fall protection."

Ben, Con Education Department at Procore

Interviews

16 Experts

16 Experts

"New helmets with chin straps are now being mandated by major companies to enhance fall protection."

Ben, Con Education Department at Procore

"When it comes to language barriers, it’s common for them to nod their head — you think they understand, but they don’t."

Project Manager

"Even if you complete safety training, you can’t recognize or remember everything when you’re in the middle of work."

Safety Manager

"It's crucial how the product aids individuals in executing their job and whether it simplifies their tasks or not."

IT Project Manager, BrightView

"A single mistake can cause months of delays, requiring new materials to be ordered and delivered."

Ben, Con Education Department at Procore

Analysis

Affinitization

After conducting extensive secondary and primary research, we have successfully identified the main pain points plaguing the construction industry. Now, we can focus our efforts on implementing targeted solutions to drive meaningful improvements in the industry.

After conducting extensive secondary and primary research, we have successfully identified the main pain points plaguing the construction industry. Now, we can focus our efforts on implementing targeted solutions to drive meaningful improvements in the industry.

Communication&
Language Barriers

Communication&
Language Barriers

"I feel sorry for those who don't speak a second language. It could be difficult to carry out work."

"I feel sorry for those who don't speak a second language. It could be difficult to carry out work."

HMW

bridge language barriers to ensure seamless and efficient communication across different languages and cultures?

HMW

bridge language barriers to ensure seamless and efficient communication across different languages and cultures?

Saftry Hazards

Saftry Hazards

"I want technology to be simple to use and not get in the way of my hands on work."

"I want technology to be simple to use and not get in the way of my hands on work."

HMW

create a product or technology providing accessible and user-friendly personal protective equipment?

HMW

create a product or technology providing accessible and user-friendly personal protective equipment?

Lack of Training System

Lack of Training System

"Accidents happen all the time which slows down the process and pushes the deadline date."

"Accidents happen all the time which slows down the process and pushes the deadline date."

HMW

create a safety-centric culture that encourages open communication, hazard reporting, and personalized training?

Persona & User Journey

We condensed our research into journey maps in order to understand the current areas we aim to impact within the flow of the construction environment.

We condensed our research into journey maps in order to understand the current areas we aim to impact within the flow of the construction environment.

Information Architecture (User Flow)

Our information architecture is built to enhance safety and productivity on construction sites by ensuring quick access to critical information and easy navigation. It is tailored for both workers and management, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency.

Our information architecture is built to enhance safety and productivity on construction sites by ensuring quick access to critical information and easy navigation. It is tailored for both workers and management, prioritizing simplicity and efficiency.

Design

Mobile Mid-Fi to Hi-Fi Prototype

Hover for Comparison

Hover for Comparison

Physical Product Concept

We combined bone conduction and smart glasses into a helmet-integrated design based on three key factors from our data points:


  1. Hands-Free Use: Workers can receive crucial information without manual input, enhancing safety and efficiency.

  2. Familiar Form: Construction workers are already use to wearing construction helmet, and the form is very similar.

  3. Compliance: Helmets are mandatory on-site, so integrating the technology ensures usability and adherence to safety standards.

User Testing : First Round

While we were designing the products, we conducted user testing to learn from our stakeholders.

While we were designing the products, we conducted user testing to learn from our stakeholders.

  1. Notification Placement: Users preferred their notifications slightly above the workspace to avoid interference with their work.

  1. Notification Placement: Users preferred their notifications slightly above the workspace to avoid interference with their work.

  1. Real-time Hazard Alerts: Users valued the feature for improving safety so wanted a more intuitive UI.

  1. Real-time Hazard Alerts: Users valued the feature for improving safety so wanted a more intuitive UI.

  1. Training Modules: Users appreciated the integrated training modules on mobile app but wanted brief tool information displayed on the visor screen.

  1. Training Modules: Users appreciated the integrated training modules on mobile app but wanted brief tool information displayed on the visor screen.

User Testing : Second Round

In the final testing phase, we visited a construction site for feedback on Argus’s task flows. Users found the interface simple, but the site supervisor recommended adding a tablet version for management-level users like contractors and supervisors. They also showed us their actual work space.

In the final testing phase, we visited a construction site for feedback on Argus’s task flows. Users found the interface simple, but the site supervisor recommended adding a tablet version for management-level users like contractors and supervisors. They also showed us their actual work space.

“I normally use my iPad to track progress and manage tasks.”

-Construction Project Manager 1

“I normally use my iPad to track progress and manage tasks.”

-Construction Project Manager 1

Brand Identity

What is the meaning of Argus?

Inspired by the mythological figure known for his hundred eyes, Argus symbolizes vigilance and comprehensive protection. The logo, with its sleek design and bold font, reflects the brand's focus on cutting-edge technology and safety.

Color

The color palette includes shades of purple, conveying trust, technology, and strength.

The color palette includes shades of purple, conveying trust, technology, and strength.

Typeface

Aa 12345@&!?

Inter is perfect for construction sites with its high legibility, modern design, and versatility. Its scalability and contrast ensure readability in any condition, while multi-language support and open-source availability boost safety and efficiency through clear communication.

Reflection

Leading the Argus project was a major learning experience, especially since it was my first time as a project leader.


One of the biggest challenges I faced was handling different opinions during our concept discussions. At first, I wasn't sure how to guide the team through these disagreements, but my logical thinking helped. I suggested that we get feedback from our target users, which not only resolved our differences but also made the project more user-centered.


Another challenge was managing the project schedule. I took on the responsibility of organizing our tasks and ensuring everyone was on track, often checking in on each team member’s progress and offering assistance wherever needed. However, this led to an overwhelming workload for myself, as I tried to juggle multiple responsibilities. I realized I needed to manage my time better, so I started using Notion to plan and track deadlines. This helped me regain control and keep the project moving forward.


In the end, the Argus project taught me the value of good leadership, teamwork, and time management. These lessons have made me a better leader and a more organized team member, ready for future challenges in UX design.

© Designed by Jiwon Lee