The Problem

ADNOC’s decentralized data oversight impedes the seamless mapping and reporting of cross-vertical data, fostering information silos that obstruct collective intelligence efforts.

The challenge of harmonizing extensive data streams leads to reporting inconsistencies and hampers the extraction of actionable insights crucial for ADNOC’s strategic decision-making.

The absence of a unified system complicates the integration of multilevel analytical insights at ADNOC, due to diverse methodologies within its layered organizational hierarchy.

User Research

Conducting user research at ADNOC, we closely observed the workflow from the top executives to the diligent analysts. Through a series of workshops, we gathered valuable insights that shed light on the intricacies of their reporting and data analysis processes.

– Analyzed the lifecycle of existing reports to understand their evolution and revisions.

– Examined the variety of data sources used and how they influence report outcomes.

– Explored interdepartmental collaboration processes to understand data sharing and decision-making.

– Understood the need for historic data to enhance operational efficiencies and profitability.

Card sorting exercise is done across various verticals to build a scalable Information Architecture. Apart from the one listed above, we did a similar exercise for the following segments:


Inventory | Procurement | News Analysis | Social Media Listening |Competitive Analysis | Reports | Petroleum Products

Qualitative Interviews

In our quest to refine ADNOC’s data management and collaboration processes, we engaged with executives to unearth their direct experiences and challenges. The qualitative insights provided a deeper understanding of the existing landscape.

ADNOC Panaroma

It features a 50 meter long screen, which curves to fit seamlessly with the wall and covers its height from floor to ceiling, giving ADNOC a single, national view of their oil and gas assets and production.

Panorama aggregates real-time information across ADNOC’s 16 specialist subsidiary and joint venture companies and uses smart analytical models, AI, and big data to generate operational insights and recommendations.

Insights

After an extensive series of user interviews and in-depth contextual inquiries, coupled with a thorough analysis of the gathered data, I’ve distilled the insights into three essential design categories: Explore, Collaborate, and Report. These categories will guide the design process, ensuring that it aligns closely with what users seek, expect, and require for optimal functionality.

These highlights serve as a compass, guiding the creation of a solution that meets the user’s needs for sophisticated data interaction, seamless teamwork, and efficient reporting mechanisms in the dynamic environment of ADNOC.

User Profiles

In the dynamic environment of ADNOC, understanding the distinct needs and workflows of various user groups is crucial for designing an effective and user-centric system. The research conducted provided clear evidence of the varied ways in which different users would interact with the application. To effectively cater to these diverse needs, I categorized the users into three distinct profiles. These profiles were defined based on their unique goals and tasks within the ADNOC environment:

Conceptualization

In the conceptualization phase, my focus was to lay a solid foundation for the application by developing a robust information architecture and crafting low-fidelity concepts for the primary use cases. This stage was pivotal in translating the insights gathered from our user research into tangible design solutions.

At this stage, I was engaging with subject matter experts (SMEs) became crucial. This step was instrumental in enriching the design with specialized knowledge and insights, ensuring that the final product was not only user-centric but also technically sound and aligned with industry standards.

Regularly consulted with them to validate design choices especially related to data visualization and ensure that the application’s features were realistic, feasible,

The Solution

In addressing the core challenge of effectively managing and interpreting vast amounts of data at ADNOC, the solution prominently focused on advanced data visualization techniques. This approach was pivotal in transforming complex datasets into clear, actionable insights, thereby enhancing decision-making processes across the organization.

Intuitive Dashboards

Developed user-friendly dashboards that allowed users to easily navigate through and interpret complex data. The dashboards were designed to provide both high-level overviews for executives and detailed analyses for data analysts.

Customizable Visualizations

Designed features that allowed users to customize their dashboards according to their specific needs. This included a variety of chart types, filters, and interactive elements to explore data more deeply.

Consistent and Clear Visual Language

Established a consistent and clear visual language across all visualizations to ensure ease of understanding and to reduce cognitive load, regardless of the user’s technical background.

Responsive Design for Various Devices

Created a responsive design that allowed users to access data visualizations effectively across multiple devices, including integration with ADNOC’s Panorama Digital Command Center for a broader organizational view.

Role-Based System Design

The application was meticulously designed with a role-based access system to cater to the specific needs of different user groups within ADNOC. This approach ensures that each user accesses only the information and tools relevant to their role, enhancing efficiency and data security.

Analysts, for instance, have the option to draft comprehensive analyses. On the other hand, users who require only a high-level overview or limited information, such as some executives or operational staff, are presented with a streamlined view. This approach ensures they are not overwhelmed by the intricate details unnecessary for their decision-making processes.

This role-based design of the application optimizes user experience by tailoring the availability and complexity of information to suit the specific requirements and expertise of each user group.

Results

The results from the incremental deployment of the ADNOC Cerebrum application were both significant and tangible. The following metrics and outcomes highlight the success and impact of the application:

Project Learnings

Reflecting on the ADNOC project, several key learnings emerged that significantly contributed to the project’s success and offered valuable insights for future endeavors. These learnings spanned various aspects of the project, from collaboration to project management.

These learnings have not only been instrumental in the success of the ADNOC project but also serve as valuable guidelines for future projects, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, prioritization, agile project management, and the incorporation of early and ongoing feedback.