Overview
The TMC Driver Training App was designed to modernize the training experience for Commercial License (CDL) candidates. The goal was to eliminate the need for physical paperwork and replace it with a mobile-friendly platform that allows trainees to complete required forms and receive instructor feedback and grades in real-time.
The Problem
How might we equip CDL trainees and instructors with a digital tool to manage training requirements and evaluations - without relying on paper?
The existing process relied heavily on paper checklists and manual grading, leading to delays, lost documents, and inconsistent feedback. A mobile or tablet solution needed to streamline this workflow while remaining usable in real-world driving conditions.
Key Opportunities
Through interviews and contextual inquiries with instructors, we identified two major opportunities:
1. Interactive Checklist
- Displays all training requirements at a glance
- Tracks completed vs. pending tasks
2. Integrated Grading System
- Enables instructors to enter grades digitally
- Provides immediate feedback to trainees
My Role
As the only UX designer on the project, I was responsible for:
- Conducting user interviews with CDL instructors
- Auditing existing training forms and materials
- Designing high-fidelity mockups in alignment with TMC's brand and infrastructure
- Performing user testing to validate usability in real-world conditions
Design Considerations
Because the app would be used in field conditions (outdoors, in vehicles, and with limited downtime), I took into account several accessibility and usability factors:
- Large tap targets for easy interaction with dirty or gloved hands
- High contrast color schemes for visibility in bright sunlight
- Minimal navigation layers to reduce time spent searching for forms
- Touch-friendly grading input with pre-set options for efficiency
The Final Product
The TMC Driver Training App features:
- A dynamic checklist that updates as tasks are completed
- An intuitive grading interface that lets instructors quickly enter and submit evaluations
- A mobile-responsive layout optimized for use on smartphones and tablets in rugged environments
User Feedback & Results
- Instructors appreciated the simplicity and time-saving features
- Trainees found it helpful to see their progress and grades in real-time
- Testing confirmed the design worked well under outdoor conditions, including glare and limited time windows
Next Steps
Future iterations of the app could include:
- Voice-to-text input for faster grading
- Offline capabilities for remote locations
- Analytics dashboard to track training trends and performance over time
