Disclaimer: Due to NDA, I'm unable to disclose the client for this project, therefore some data and content has been replaced/white-labeled.
Punch List Guide: Streamlining Post-Construction Workflows with Real-Time Collaboration
From fragmented processes to seamless, on-site issue management.
Industry
Role
Team
Platform
Introduction
Stuck in the Paper Trail
Project Managers at a major U.S. telecom company faced a frustrating challenge during post-construction walkthroughs: outdated, manual workflows slowed issue resolution and increased errors. Three key problems stuck out:
Problem #1
Fragmented Tools
Walkthrough templates were built in Excel, disconnected from the company’s primary work systems.
Problem #2
Manual Process
Problem #3
Inefficient Tracking
Issues were logged separately, delaying communication with subcontractors and resolution.
This resulted in delays, miscommunication, and wasted time.
My task as the product designer was clear: create a responsive, real-time solution that integrated seamlessly into the existing platform—empowering PMs to manage walkthroughs efficiently, from issue capture to resolution.
Process
Designing a Better Way
Research & Strategy
To start, I reviewed existing Excel templates, analyzed workflow documentation, and met with PMs to understand their pain points. Key insights emerged:
"If I forget to email the checklist immediately, tasks fall through the cracks."
"Tracking down signatures wastes hours—especially when subcontractors leave the site."
With this in mind, I partnered with engineers and product leadership to define core requirements:
Real-Time Issue Capture: Allow PMs to log items directly during walkthroughs.
Geolocation-Based Templates: Auto-load the appropriate store checklist based on location.
Digital Signatures: Enable on-site sign-off, eliminating follow-ups.
Design & Iteration
I designed a mobile-first, responsive interface—optimized for iPads—that simplified complex checklists into collapsible sections. Key features included:
Punch List Flow: Clear task paths—"Complete" required no input, while "Repair Needed" triggered mandatory comments.
Digital Signatures: On-site collection streamlined final approvals.
Automated Reports: Once completed, the system generated email-ready, printable punch lists.
Collaboration with engineers ensured technical feasibility, while feedback guided refinements—ensuring the tool felt familiar yet significantly more efficient.
Outcome
Transforming the Walkthrough
The final solution revolutionized post-construction workflows, delivering measurable impact:
Faster Walkthroughs: Real-time issue capture eliminated manual re-entry.
Instant Collaboration: Automated notifications kept subcontractors informed.
Seamless Integration: PMs stayed within their primary work system—no more Excel.
iPad-Optimized: Field-friendly design enabled efficient on-site use.
Digital Signatures: Sign-off at the point of inspection, reducing delays.
Reflection
The Punch List Guide empowered PMs to focus on high-priority tasks, rather than paperwork, travel time and follow-ups.
I was able to deliver a solution that not only addressed immediate challenges but also set a new standard for post-construction efficiency.
