Modernizing Rail Operations with the RAMPS Platform

Replacing slow legacy systems with a unified, research-led operations platform.

Role: Lead UX Designer
Timeline: 2014 — 2015

Problem

Rail operations ran on legacy systems (TADS/AMS) that created major inefficiencies — field research showed a simple task like damage reporting could take up to 45 minutes.

Solution

A research-led, end-to-end platform built around real operators — deep persona and journey work turned fragmented, manual workflows into a single system of record.

Overview

Rail operations ran on aging legacy systems where a single task — like reporting damage on a railcar — could take up to 45 minutes out in the field.

I led research and design for RAMPS, spending time with real operators to turn fragmented, manual workflows into one unified system of record.

What I did

Ran field research and defined seven operator personas
Mapped the full VIN lifecycle journey
Designed the Work Queue and unified operations platform

~45 → fast

Damage reporting time

Operator personas defined

Unified

Single system of record

Redesigned RAMPS operations interface — After

Work Queue annotated wireframe with the Level 2 user story and labeled regions: Case Groups, Search, Cases, Filter/Sort, ASN Info Card, and History Log

Operator personas for the Level 2 user and Clerk, with responsibilities, challenges, needs, and tools

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