PCIS Multi-Persona Dashboard

Unified cargo visibility for terminals, carriers, and BCOs with role-based views and clearer comms.

Stakeholder alignment Prototyping Web POC Figma

Project overview

The Port Community Information System (PCIS) is a multi-persona desktop interface designed to streamline port operations. It provides tailored dashboards for Terminal Operators, Transportation Operators, and Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs), enabling efficient cargo management and real-time communication.

PCIS overview dashboard

Goals

  • Streamline cargo booking and tracking for port stakeholders.
  • Provide real-time updates and notifications.
  • Enhance communication between Terminal Operators, Transportation Operators, and BCOs.
  • Improve operational efficiency and reduce delays.

Key features

  • Role-Specific Dashboards: Custom interfaces for Terminal Operators, Transportation Operators, and BCOs.
  • Real-Time Updates: Instant notifications for booking approvals, status changes, and delays.
  • Interactive Map: Visual tracking of cargo locations and port operations.
  • Data Integration: Integration with external systems like COPRAR.
  • User-Centric Design: Intuitive navigation and accessible UI.

Design process

  • Competitive Analysis: Studied similar interfaces to identify best practices and gaps.
  • Wireframing: Low-fi frames to map structure and flows.
  • Prototyping: Interactive prototype for stakeholder reviews.
  • High-Fidelity Design: Polished UI and interaction details.

Competitive analysis

Key findings

  • “At-a-glance” works: A home view that surfaces upcoming appointments, alerts and gate load helps users decide what to do first.
  • Live operational signals reduce friction: Showing current gate busyness and recent container events prevents wasted trips and calls.
  • Role clarity matters: Tools that tailor labels and KPIs to each user (ops, transport, BCO) are easier to scan.
  • Error states need guidance: Clear reasons (e.g., invalid PIN/booking) plus next steps lower support load.
  • Inline notifications beat inbox hopping: Centralized notifications with deep links keep people in flow.

Design implications for PCIS

  • Place a concise “Today / Now” strip at the top of each persona dashboard (prioritized items + quick actions).
  • Expose live gate/yard signals next to worklists to inform scheduling choices.
  • Ship persona-specific views first with consistent language but different KPIs per role.
  • Standardize problem → cause → fix patterns on validation and error states.
  • Add a unified notifications panel with filters and deep links to records.
Navis: appointments, gate busyness, notifications
Navis — Clear “today” view with upcoming appointments, live gate busyness, and a notifications panel.
Yangtai: scheduling and task status views
Yangtai — Scheduling layout that makes task status visible and easy to sequence.
NYTD Shanghai Trader: integrated data and live updates
NYTD Shanghai Trader — Broad integrations with timely updates across partners.

Lo-fi prototype

Lo-fi wireframes

Prototype showcase

Open interactive prototype →

UI elements

Terminal Operator Dashboard

Terminal Operator dashboard

Manage bookings, status, and approvals.

Transportation Operator Dashboard

Transportation Operator dashboard

Track assigned bookings and update statuses.

BCO Dashboard

BCO dashboard

Real-time cargo tracking and communications.

Outcomes

  • Delivered a validated UX design grounded in user needs
  • Secured strong stakeholder alignment on design decisions
  • Passed User Acceptance Testing (UAT) with no critical issues
  • Ensured final experience met usability, accessibility, and business goals
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