PTC WAMS

CSX Positive Train Control (PTC) Project Management Platform

THE CHALLENGE

CSX needed a centralized platform to manage projects involving new signal site installations and upgrades across its rail network. These projects are critical to expanding and maintaining Positive Train Control (PTC), a federally mandated safety system designed to prevent train collisions, overspeed derailments, and other rail incidents.

Through stakeholder interviews, workflow analysis, and user research, I discovered that project teams were relying on multiple disconnected systems to manage project data, site locations, signal assets, and project status. This fragmented ecosystem created several challenges:

- Duplicate data entry across multiple applications
- Inconsistent and outdated records
- Limited visibility into project progress and asset status
- Inefficient communication between departments
- Increased risk of data errors and delays

Additionally, project teams frequently received XML files containing site and asset information. Because there was no efficient way to import, validate, and process these files, users spent significant time manually entering data, increasing administrative overhead and the potential for inaccuracies.

The business also required seamless integration with downstream systems such as GIS and WMT, ensuring accurate and timely distribution of PTC-related data across the organization.


MY ROLE

Lead UX Designer

I was responsible for the end-to-end UX process, including:

- User research and stakeholder interviews
- Discovery workshops and requirements gathering
- Information architecture
- User flows and journey mapping
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Usability testing
- Design presentations and stakeholder alignment
- Developer collaboration and implementation support

DISCOVERY & RESEARCH

To understand both business objectives and user needs, I facilitated stakeholder interviews, collaborative workshops, and discovery sessions with project managers, engineers, operations teams, and business leaders.

Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, I identified key workflow bottlenecks, pain points, and opportunities for improvement. To build empathy across the team and align stakeholders around user needs, I developed:

- User personas
- User journey maps
- Workflow diagrams
- Process maps
- Requirements documentation

These activities uncovered critical insights around data management, project tracking, asset visibility, and system integrations. The findings directly informed the application’s information architecture, navigation structure, and feature prioritization.


COLLABORATION & IDEATION

Working closely with cross-functional teams, I facilitated brainstorming sessions and design workshops to explore potential solutions and validate assumptions.

Using tools such as Miro, FigJam, and Microsoft Teams, we mapped workflows, prioritized requirements, and evaluated concepts collaboratively. I also created and presented design recommendations to stakeholders, helping drive alignment and informed decision-making throughout the project.

This collaborative approach ensured business goals, technical constraints, and user needs were balanced from the earliest stages of design.


DESIGN PROCESS

Based on research findings and workshop outcomes, I created low-fidelity wireframes to explore multiple design directions and workflow improvements.

After gathering stakeholder feedback, I refined the selected concepts into high-fidelity designs and interactive prototypes that simulated key user tasks and system interactions.

Key design goals included:

- Simplifying complex project management workflows
- Reducing manual data entry
- Improving project visibility and status tracking
- Streamlining asset and location management
- Supporting efficient XML data import and validation
- Creating a user-friendly experience requiring minimal training


USABILITY TESTING

I conducted multiple rounds of usability testing with representative users throughout the design process.

Testing sessions focused on:

- Project creation workflows
- Site and asset management
- XML upload and validation processes
- Navigation and information discoverability
- Overall task efficiency

Feedback from these sessions helped identify usability issues early, validate design decisions, and refine the experience before development began.

This iterative process significantly improved usability, reduced friction, and increased user confidence when performing critical tasks.


THE SOLUTION

I designed a centralized, user-centered platform that brings project, location, and asset management into a single streamlined experience.

The solution provides teams with a reliable source of truth throughout the project lifecycle while improving operational efficiency and data accuracy.

Key Features

- Centralized management of both new signal site installations and existing site upgrades
- Comprehensive tracking of signal assets, locations, and project milestones
- XML upload and automated parsing to reduce manual data entry
- Built-in validation to improve data quality and accuracy
- Seamless integration with GIS and WMT systems
- Real-time visibility into project status and asset information
- Intuitive workflows designed to minimize training requirements


IMPLEMENTATION

I partnered closely with developers throughout implementation to ensure the final product accurately reflected the approved designs and user experience requirements.

Responsibilities included:

- Providing detailed design specifications
- Reviewing development builds
- Conducting design QA
- Resolving implementation questions
- Supporting iterative improvements throughout development

This collaboration helped maintain design integrity while ensuring a smooth transition from concept to production.


IMPACT

The new platform transformed how CSX teams manage PTC-related projects by consolidating previously fragmented workflows into a single system.

OUTCOMES

- Reduced manual data entry through XML import automation
- Improved data consistency and accuracy across systems
- Increased visibility into project status and asset tracking
- Streamlined collaboration between teams and departments
- Enhanced integration with GIS and WMT platforms
- Reduced administrative effort and operational inefficiencies
- Delivered a more intuitive user experience requiring minimal training

By combining user-centered design principles with deep stakeholder collaboration, the solution improved workflow efficiency, strengthened data integrity, and enabled more effective management of critical rail infrastructure projects.