VAR Digital Solution
Simplify the VAR process - One platform for all your planning, execution, and tracking needs.
Role
UI/UX Designer
Industry
Oil and Gas
Duration
3 Month
Overview: The VAR Digital Solution (VDS) is a platform that simplifies and improves the Value Assurance Review (VAR) process. It replaces manual tasks with a digital system, making planning, execution, and tracking more efficient, accurate, and transparent for teams involved in project reviews.
Problem Statement
For over a decade, the VAR process was managed manually using various tools, leading to:
Time Delays – Reviews took longer than necessary due to scattered information.
Limited Visibility – Tracking changes and reviewing historical records was difficult.
Inconsistent Reporting – Data was stored in multiple places, making analysis time-consuming.
High Administrative Workload – Teams spent excessive time on documentation instead of focusing on assurance activities.
To address these challenges, a centralized digital solution was needed—one that could bring efficiency, better tracking, and smarter insights to the process. The VAR Digital Solution (VDS) is a new initiative aimed at modernizing how Value Assurance Reviews (VAR) are conducted. VDS provides a fully digital platform that streamlines the entire VAR process, making it more efficient, accurate, and transparent. The platform introduces:
VAR Planning – Organizing and structuring review schedules and documentation.
VAR Execution – Enabling smooth collaboration, feedback, and approvals.
VAR Tracking & Monitoring – Offering real-time insights and improved record-keeping.
By reducing manual work and enhancing data accuracy, VDS improves the efficiency and reliability of the Value Assurance process.
My Approach
1. Understanding User Needs & Business Goals
Engaged with key stakeholders to understand current frustrations and priorities.
Mapped out existing workflows to identify inefficiencies.
Defined clear success criteria for the new digital solution—improving speed, accuracy, and usability.
2. Designing an Efficient & User-Friendly Experience
Created intuitive workflows that align with how teams naturally conduct VAR.
Developed a role-based experience to ensure different users see the most relevant information.
Introduced a centralized space for storing and managing all VAR-related documents.
3. Prototyping & User Validation
Built low-fidelity wireframes to test early ideas and refine workflows.
Developed a high-fidelity interactive prototype to simulate real-world use cases.
Conducted usability testing with actual users to ensure the design was practical and intuitive.
4. Enhancing Tracking & Reporting
Designed automated reporting dashboards to replace manual report generation.
Introduced structured audit logs to improve visibility of past reviews.
Ensured the system is scalable to accommodate future needs and potential integrations.
Results
Disclaimer: To respect confidentiality agreements, detailed visuals and sensitive data cannot be shared. I appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
By implementing VDS, the Value Assurance process is now transitioning from a manual, time-intensive approach to a seamless, insight-driven digital solution. Key outcomes include:
Elimination of Manual Workflows – Reduction in administrative tasks, enabling VA teams to focus on strategic decision-making.
Centralized Data Management – Improved access to historical records, eliminating version conflicts and lost documents.
Enhanced Audit & Compliance – Real-time tracking of review activities with a structured audit trail.
Optimized Reporting & Analytics – AI-powered dashboards providing instant insights, reducing reporting turnaround time.
Scalability for Future Growth – The foundation for potential system integrations across UPMS processes.
Early feedback from pilot users has been overwhelmingly positive, citing significant improvements in efficiency, usability, and data accuracy.
Future Plans
As VDS continues its rollout, several enhancements are planned:
Full Integration with UPMS Ecosystem – Seamlessly connecting VAR with related systems like PGR and ITRC for a unified project governance experience.
User Customization & Role-Based Access – Enabling flexible configurations to meet diverse user needs while maintaining security and compliance.
Mobile Accessibility – Introducing a mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go approvals and real-time tracking.
Reflections
Designing VDS as the sole designer was a challenging yet rewarding experience in enterprise digital transformation. It required close collaboration with cross-functional teams and direct advocacy with stakeholders to ensure the solution met both business needs and user expectations. Navigating complex workflows, managing constraints, and driving alignment across teams was no easy task—but it reinforced the importance of design in shaping impactful enterprise solutions.
Some key takeaways:
User-Centered Design Matters – Engaging stakeholders early ensured the solution met actual needs.
Balancing Simplicity & Functionality – Creating a robust system while keeping it easy to use was a key challenge.
Data-Driven Decisions Improve Efficiency – Moving away from manual reporting unlocked faster, more reliable insights.
Collaboration is Essential – Working closely with teams across different functions was critical for success.
VDS is not just a digital tool—it’s a new way of working that brings efficiency, transparency, and smarter decision-making to the VAR process. As the system evolves, the focus remains on continuous improvement and user-driven innovation.
