Leading the digital transformation of complex routing software handling weight, volume, capacity, and cost constraints
I helped transform Pathfind's routing planning experience. The existing app handled intensive computational processes but had become unwieldy despite its powerful data processing.
Complex logistics overwhelmed by cluttered experience
Pathfind provided routing optimization software for logistics companies managing delivery fleets. The system performed intensive computational processes: cross-referencing package weights, volumes, vehicle capacities, fuel costs, delivery time windows, and driver schedules to generate optimal delivery routes.
Despite powerful algorithms, the interface had become so dense, with many data tables, unclear progression through planning stages, and overwhelming information density that made the tool difficult for clients to use effectively.
I joined a team of academic researchers leading this digital transformation through a partnership between Pathfind and the University of Fortaleza.
Restructuring information architecture
Through stakeholder interviews and workflow analysis, we mapped the complete routing planning process: data input (packages, vehicles, constraints), route calculation parameters, algorithm execution, results review, and route assignment. Identified pain points: unclear which data was required vs. optional, no visibility into calculation progress, results presentation that obscured key insights, and difficult comparison between routing scenarios.
We redesigned information architecture to create intuitive progression through complex tasks. Grouped related inputs, established clear workflow stages, introduced progress indicators, and structured result presentation to highlight critical decisions first (cost savings, vehicle utilization, delivery time compliance) before diving into detailed routes.
Progressive disclosure for complexity management
Routing involves numerous parameters: vehicle load capacity limits, driver work hour restrictions, delivery time windows, fuel consumption rates, toll costs, priority customers, restricted zones, and more. Designed interface using progressive disclosure: primary workflow showed essential parameters and common configurations. Advanced options tucked into clearly marked expandable sections. This kept routine planning straightforward while maintaining access to sophisticated features for edge cases.
Data visualization for decision-making
Transformed dense tabular data into visual representations that communicated insights faster. Route maps with color-coded paths, bar charts comparing vehicle utilization across scenarios, timeline views showing delivery sequences, and cost breakdown visualizations. Each view designed to answer specific questions: "Which vehicle is most efficient?", "Where are time conflicts?", "What's driving cost increases?"
Priority information and secondary details
Created wireframes and high-fidelity mockups that prioritized critical information at each decision point. Summary cards showing total cost, vehicle count, and timeline before detailed breakdowns. Alert patterns highlighted conflicts (overweight vehicles, impossible time windows, excluded packages). Users could drill down into details when needed but weren't forced to process everything simultaneously.
Adobe XD to Figma migration and early design system
Recognized Figma as emerging tool with superior collaboration features. Initiated complete project migration from Adobe XD to Figma (2019), which required all screens to be rebuilt, and a new component library. This self-directed migration established early design system thinking: token-based colors, consistent spacing, reusable component variants, and shared UI patterns.
Prototyped critical flows demonstrating route planning progression, parameter configuration, results comparison, and route assignment. Created data visualization components showing charts, maps, and timeline views in Figma for handoff to development.
From this point forward
This Figma migration marked a permanent shift in my design practice. Never returned to Adobe XD—Figma's collaboration features, component system, and prototyping capabilities proved essential for professional product design work. The experience of rebuilding an entire project taught deep lessons about component architecture, reusable patterns, and scalable design systems.
Result and impact
Transformed data-heavy routing application into more fluid experience while maintaining the computational power that made Pathfind valuable. Operators could plan routes faster with fewer errors. The visual redesign reduced training time for new team members. Clear information hierarchy let users focus on strategic decisions rather than fighting with interface complexity.