Ontime - Rundowns and Event Timers Manager

Project Goals and Objectives - Roadmap

Duration of the Project: 3/4 weeks

Methods applied: Design Sprints, Competitors audit, UX audit (with current product implemented), Heuristic Evaluation.

1.1. Project Goals and Objectives - Mission, Vision and Values

Mission

To empower video engineers, entertainment technicians, and content creators by providing a reliable, free, and open-source tool that enhances precision and creativity in audiovisual workflows.

Vision

To become the leading open-source platform for audio-visual and event management, fostering a community-driven approach that pushes the boundaries of technical innovation for video engineers, technicians, and creatives worldwide, while maintaining an intuitive and professional interface that appeals to both niche experts and broader audiences.

Precision

Ensure that every feature of Ontime is designed with accuracy in mind, giving professionals in event management, broadcast, and live productions the tools to flawlessly manage scheduling, cueing, and rundown tracking.

Reliability

Committed to providing a stable and robust platform that professionals in high-pressure environments can depend on, ensuring smooth operations for events, broadcasts, and performances every time.

Accessibility

As a free and open-source tool, Ontime makes powerful scheduling and cueing software available to professionals across various sectors—whether you’re organizing a conference, running a touring show, or managing a live broadcast - aiming to be accessible to all types of users.

User-centricity

Prioritizing the needs, preferences, and experiences of the users in every aspect of the app's development and implementation. Listening attentively and regularly to user feedback.

1.2. Project Goals and Objectives - Main Challenges

Balancing Niche/Broader Use

Ontime is designed specifically for professionals like video engineers, event managers, and technicians in the entertainment and broadcast industry, but it also has potential appeal to other users such as podcasters, teachers, and public speakers. Balancing highly technical, niche functionality with broader, more generalized features can be a challenge.

Cross-Department Integration

Ontime promises cross-departmental show information and automation, which means it has to handle the complexity of different teams (e.g., lighting, sound, video, stage management) all working in sync during live events or broadcasts.

Maintaining Reliability

The success of Ontime depends on its ability to deliver reliability in real-time, high-pressure environments, such as live events or broadcasts where split-second timing is critical.

Adapting to Different Environments

Ontime is used across diverse environments—broadcast studios, theaters, houses of worship, and touring venues. Each of these environments has unique requirements in terms of scheduling, cueing, and event management.

Main Goals

Redesign Identity

Redesign the Landing Page to make it look appealing
and present the product features in a clear way.

Conversion Rates

More user engagement/increased conversion rates.

Nice to meet you - My role in the project

I am Rute, a T-Shaped UX Designer (that is happy to help on Front-end if needed) from Lisboa - Portugal. I joined the IT area in 2016 - working as a UX/UI Designer and Front-end developer, but started working only as a Designer/Web Designer back in 2013. My focus is usability, acessibility and scalability - I want to craft beautiful user-centered interfaces for mobile and desktop, help you with the implementation and elevate the digital experience. I go from the research phases, through ideation, definition and prototyping, to the implementation support. I am into learning more and more every day about Design Systems and Product Design, but also focus on improving the relationship and collaboration between designers, developers and product.

UX Researcher

As a UX researcher, my role involves conducting in-depth user interviews and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to gain insights into user behaviors, preferences, and pain points. By understanding the needs and motivations of our users, I inform design decisions that prioritize user satisfaction and engagement, ultimately enhancing the overall user experience in terms of reaching an healthy lifestyle. For this project, it was simpler than that, but I did perform competitors audit, UX audit and gathered data to be translated into insights.

UI Designer

In my role as a UI designer, I translate user research findings into actionable design solutions. Using tools such as wireframes and prototypes, I create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces that prioritize ease of use and accessibility. By iteratively testing and refining designs based on feedback, I strive to create a seamless and enjoyable experience for the website and app users, ensuring that each interaction feels effortless and delightful.

Responsable for
Usability Testing

My primary focus here is on evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the app's interface and features. Through planned usability tests, I observe user interactions, gather feedback, and identify any usability issues or pain points that may arise. By conducting thorough analyses of test results, I work towards implementing improvements that optimize the usability and overall user experience. For this project, no Usability Testing was performed by me.

Process Followed

For this initial research phase, I decided to build a really simple inquiry that would lead me through the main objectives and painpoints of the client. I also wanted to check if I was the right match to embrace this project. I’ve chosen Typeform as the tool for it.

Kick-off Questions

What is the primary action you want visitors to take on the landing page?

Who is the target audience for the landing page, and what are their key pain points?

What differentiates Ontime from competitors, and how should these unique selling points be highlighted on the page?

What key features or tools do users need to see immediately when they land on the page?

Are there any specific branding guidelines or visual styles that should be adhered to in the redesign?

Competitors Audit

Stagetimer

Real-time timer and cue management tool, often used in live events, presentations, and broadcasts. It is a free-to-use service with paid advanced features, that offers customization and remote control.

CuePilot

It is a pre-programmed show automation with precise multi-camera cueing. There are real-time collaboration approaches. It is a paid software with subscription plans available, with the possibility of integration with broadcast and event tools.

Where Ontime can make a difference:

Ontime is completely free and open-source, with the option for users to contribute to its ongoing development. It offers views for directors, operators, and signage, allowing efficient collaboration. Ontime integrates with tools like OBS, vMix, and Qlab via APIs (OSC, HTTP, WebSocket). It works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is also available as a self-hosted Docker image. It is a more flexible option for live environments, used by event organizers, theatres, and broadcasters alike.