Altor
overview
During my final semester of university we were tasked with working along side a company that needed a partner application for their security device. The company Altor had designed a ute security device that needed a partner application for monitoring, as such we were the University that was approached for assistance with its design. The prototype application they had set up was a very rough and function focused screen, that let the company toy with the features of the device, as such we were tasked with optimising and streamlining the design and user experience.
Challenges
The Altor team was small but mostly comprised of tradespeople, this allowed us to further understand the type of people we would need to keep in mind when designing. We found that they had a very functional set of requirements for the device, but struggled to articulate the exact issues and desires past the "minimal" and "easy to use", design requests. This was our first challenge in a nut shell as they might not have exactly cared how it looked but they clearly had an idea based on past experiences with smart devices and their partner apps.
Time and technical constraints meant we couldn’t run extensive user testing or prototype every possible feature. Figma’s limitations also forced creative workarounds for interactive elements. Despite this, we focused on the core interactions that mattered most, ensuring the app remained simple, practical, and reliable.
Research & Insights
Our research plan was simple, it was to go "broad" and then collate a concise set of findings. Our research on the application of the device as a security tool revealed RACV's reports on tool theft in Australia, further solidifying the importance of the project. Along with that Steven Hoober’s thumb-placement studies guided our interaction design. Interviews with tradespeople confirmed a strong preference for a clean, uncluttered interface that allowed them to get in and out of the app quickly. Competitor analysis further reinforced the need for minimal menus and clear visual hierarchy, showing that too much clutter frustrated users.
Outcome
The final design delivers a streamlined interface that prioritises rapid access to key features, particularly arming and disarming the security device. Iterative testing refined the home and history screens, improving flow and reducing cognitive load. We also proposed future features like multi-device management, hotspot notifications, and potential Apple Watch integration. The end result is an app that’s easy to use, functional, and aligned with both user needs and Altor’s brand.