Embedding a system for collecting continuous UX insights to create clear strategy for product improvements for a subsea tech scale up.

Background
A B2B scale-up in subsea technology leveraging robotics to enhance safety, speed, and precision for offshore renewable energy operations.

Their flagship product, SubSLAM is a technologically advanced camera that integrates with underwater vehicles to support subsea work. The camera connects to a digital interface on the ship allowing users to remotely inspect subsea structures in real time.

 

The challenges and goals

Despite two years in operation, the business struggled with product development and market positioning. Product improvements lacked customer focus, and the brand messaging failed to resonate with the target audience, impacting sales. They sought to better understand:

• The product's utility to inform their value proposition.

• The product's usability to inform product backlog and address the high priority items.

 

 

My approach
I provided full project support with user research to help the business reach their goals. With time, budget, and resourcing constraints, I designed a streamline and replicable approach so they were able to continuously gain insights and monitor progress. Working with the business' SMEs we designed an approach that combined the use of a technical survey and follow up interviews to gain breadth and depth of insights.

 

 

Impact
I worked with relevant stakeholders to first pilot the research approach with Vaarst's subsea division, Rovco. We successfully refining it for wider application among UK and US customers. The approach was also further utilised by integrating it into the product trial process. This methodology yielded valuable insights into customer needs, pain points, and product priorities. Gaining regular UX insights on SubSLAM paved clear direction for high impact product improvements.

 

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