UX brings data to life for engineering decisions

From data to stories

Engineers always want to know how their product performs. They closely follow the data, seeking insights that can drive actions to optimize performance and lifespan. Often, it is the data that points the way forward.

Many people think that adding extra charts to a dashboard automatically leads to better decisions, but that is an oversimplification. The key is to make data meaningful. Is the data positive or negative? What story does it tell? An overload of charts and tables can quickly lead to a cluttered and ineffective dashboard. By combining IT knowledge with smart UX design, you turn raw data into intelligent and understandable visualizations, tailored to the right users.

So many users, so many insights

Data analysis helps companies discover patterns, trends, and connections that influence strategic choices. Decision-makers use these insights to achieve better results and gain a competitive advantage in a data-driven world. Analysis provides valuable information that guides policy and strategy.

Industrial engineers have strong mathematical and statistical skills, crucial for processing large volumes of data. Good analysis is essential for making the right decisions.

However... the same data can be interpreted in different ways, which can also lead to different decisions. As they say, "the truth is in the eye of the beholder." The user's context plays a significant role, especially in engineering. Misinterpretations can lead to design flaws, safety issues, and high costs. Good UX ensures that the presentation of data matches each user's interpretation style.

“The advantage of simulation: Poor results can lead to good insights.”

Simulation as a safe playground

Good UX supports all phases of the decision-making process. After monitoring and analyzing data, the step of simulation often follows. Decisions become easier when predictions can be made. Trends and patterns often contain uncertain factors, so being able to experiment with scenarios is incredibly valuable.

Creating a safe environment where users can test scenarios without real-world consequences helps to understand mistakes and make better choices. Allowing poor outcomes results in valuable lessons.

How not to screw it up

Based on our experience, here are a few important tips to avoid messing up your data-driven decisions:

• Understand who your end-users are, how they work, and what their goals are

• Involve UX designers from the start, before development begins

• Work with accurate, up-to-date, and clean data

• Always view data in the right context

• Collaborate with data analysts, domain experts, and other stakeholders. Multiple perspectives provide more insights and prevent mistakes

• Continuously test and evaluate decisions with real results. Work iteratively and stay flexible

What now?

If we truly want to optimize engineering, we must learn to handle the growing mountain of data—both for the engineers creating products and the customers using them.

As long as people make decisions, we need the power of IT and UX to bring data to life and understand the story behind it.