Data-based recommendation system

Data-based recommendation system

BMW Group

BMW Group

Bachelor thesis

Spare part System

UX Design

Design System

Role

User Research, UX Design

Duration

5 months

Type of Work

Bachelor thesis

Team

Singel work

Bachelor thesis

Spare part System

UX Design

Design System

Role

User Research, UX Design

Duration

5 months

Type of Work

Bachelor thesis

Team

Singel work

Bachelor thesis

Spare part System

UX Design

Design System

Role

User Research, UX Design

Duration

5 months

Type of Work

Bachelor thesis

Team

Singel work

Summary and

Impact

Remodeling BMW’s internal spare parts reordering process by creating a user-centered, data-driven prototype with a recommendation system for future integration.

In collaboration with BMW for my bachelor's thesis, I remodelled the internal spare parts reordering process. Through iterative analysis according to the user-centred design process, I investigated the existing tools and created a click dummy showcasing a potential future version of the reordering tool. In particular, it features a data-driven recommendation system with a keen emphasis on its reliable integration. Based on this click dummy, my bachelor thesis supervisor will work on a modernisation of the ordering process in the future. Main contributions included:

Main contributions included:

Analyzed existing tools and processes through iterative research and workshops

Designed a click dummy showcasing a future reordering tool

Integrated a data-driven recommendation system for reliable spare parts ordering to reduced time and costs by preventing over-ordering and missing spare parts

Summary and

Impact

Remodeling BMW’s internal spare parts reordering process by creating a user-centered, data-driven prototype with a recommendation system for future integration.

In collaboration with BMW for my bachelor's thesis, I remodelled the internal spare parts reordering process. Through iterative analysis according to the user-centred design process, I investigated the existing tools and created a click dummy showcasing a potential future version of the reordering tool. In particular, it features a data-driven recommendation system with a keen emphasis on its reliable integration. Based on this click dummy, my bachelor thesis supervisor will work on a modernisation of the ordering process in the future. Main contributions included:

Main contributions included:

Analyzed existing tools and processes through iterative research and workshops

Designed a click dummy showcasing a future reordering tool

Integrated a data-driven recommendation system for reliable spare parts ordering to reduced time and costs by preventing over-ordering and missing spare parts

Project Details

Problem space

The spare parts management process within large-scale production environments, such as the BMW Group, is highly complex and time-critical. Any shortage of essential spare parts can lead to costly production downtime. Despite the vast inventories, demand occurs irregularly and is difficult to forecast, making efficient planning and reordering challenging. Current systems used by planners lack transparency and usability, often forcing decisions to be based on experience rather than data. To improve reliability, efficiency, and trust, there is a strong need for an intelligent, data-driven recommendation system supported by a well-designed interface.

Project goals

The objective of this project was to design an interface for a data-driven recommendation system in spare parts management. The interface should support planners in their daily tasks by providing clear information and intelligent suggestions regarding order quantities, supplier selection, and delivery timing. Central to the goal was ensuring high usability and building user trust in the recommendation system.

Project Details

Problem space

The spare parts management process within large-scale production environments, such as the BMW Group, is highly complex and time-critical. Any shortage of essential spare parts can lead to costly production downtime. Despite the vast inventories, demand occurs irregularly and is difficult to forecast, making efficient planning and reordering challenging. Current systems used by planners lack transparency and usability, often forcing decisions to be based on experience rather than data. To improve reliability, efficiency, and trust, there is a strong need for an intelligent, data-driven recommendation system supported by a well-designed interface.

Project goals

The objective of this project was to design an interface for a data-driven recommendation system in spare parts management. The interface should support planners in their daily tasks by providing clear information and intelligent suggestions regarding order quantities, supplier selection, and delivery timing. Central to the goal was ensuring high usability and building user trust in the recommendation system.

Project result

Through the User-Centered Design Process, the project moved from user research and low-fidelity sketches to a refined high-fidelity prototype. The interface was implemented within BMW’s design system to ensure consistency and scalability. User testing showed that the prototype provides high usability and effectively builds trust in the recommendation system through transparency and clear interaction patterns. The results indicate that the solution can significantly simplify the spare parts reordering process and support data-driven decision-making in everyday operations.

Project result

Through the User-Centered Design Process, the project moved from user research and low-fidelity sketches to a refined high-fidelity prototype. The interface was implemented within BMW’s design system to ensure consistency and scalability. User testing showed that the prototype provides high usability and effectively builds trust in the recommendation system through transparency and clear interaction patterns. The results indicate that the solution can significantly simplify the spare parts reordering process and support data-driven decision-making in everyday operations.

Project result

Through the User-Centered Design Process, the project moved from user research and low-fidelity sketches to a refined high-fidelity prototype. The interface was implemented within BMW’s design system to ensure consistency and scalability. User testing showed that the prototype provides high usability and effectively builds trust in the recommendation system through transparency and clear interaction patterns. The results indicate that the solution can significantly simplify the spare parts reordering process and support data-driven decision-making in everyday operations.

Process

01

Research

Identified pain points through interviews and workflow analysis

02

Define and Concept

Defined core elements, decisions, and user flow

03

Prototyping

Developed low- to high-fidelity prototype in BMW’s design system.

04

Testing

Validated usability and trust through user testing.

Process

01

Research

Identified pain points through interviews and workflow analysis

02

Define and Concept

Defined core elements, decisions, and user flow

03

Prototyping

Developed low- to high-fidelity prototype in BMW’s design system.

04

Testing

Validated usability and trust through user testing.

Process

01

Research

Identified pain points through interviews and workflow analysis

02

Define and Concept

Defined core elements, decisions, and user flow

03

Prototyping

Developed low- to high-fidelity prototype in BMW’s design system.

04

Testing

Validated usability and trust through user testing.

Process

01

Research

Identified pain points through interviews and workflow analysis

02

Define and Concept

Defined core elements, decisions, and user flow

03

Prototyping

Developed low- to high-fidelity prototype in BMW’s design system.

04

Testing

Validated usability and trust through user testing.

Research

Research

Research

Conception

Conception

Conception

Prototyping

Prototyping

Prototyping

Design

Design

Design

Testing

Testing

Testing

Testing

Personal learning

Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights and skills in project structuring and implementation using the user-centred design process. Independently planning and executing my first workshop boosted my confidence in engaging with user groups, as well as in conducting usability tests autonomously.

I learned the importance of iterative refinement, recognizing the benefits of revisiting and improving process steps before advancing further. Exploring trust during the research phase provided valuable insights into human psychology, knowledge I believe will be advantageous in future projects.

In conclusion, my bachelor's thesis collaboration with the BMW Group was highly instructive. It not only provided insight into corporate structures but also acquainted me with the workings of a large company, enriching my professional experience

Personal learning

Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights and skills in project structuring and implementation using the user-centred design process. Independently planning and executing my first workshop boosted my confidence in engaging with user groups, as well as in conducting usability tests autonomously.

I learned the importance of iterative refinement, recognizing the benefits of revisiting and improving process steps before advancing further. Exploring trust during the research phase provided valuable insights into human psychology, knowledge I believe will be advantageous in future projects.

In conclusion, my bachelor's thesis collaboration with the BMW Group was highly instructive. It not only provided insight into corporate structures but also acquainted me with the workings of a large company, enriching my professional experience

Personal learning

Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights and skills in project structuring and implementation using the user-centred design process. Independently planning and executing my first workshop boosted my confidence in engaging with user groups, as well as in conducting usability tests autonomously.

I learned the importance of iterative refinement, recognizing the benefits of revisiting and improving process steps before advancing further. Exploring trust during the research phase provided valuable insights into human psychology, knowledge I believe will be advantageous in future projects.

In conclusion, my bachelor's thesis collaboration with the BMW Group was highly instructive. It not only provided insight into corporate structures but also acquainted me with the workings of a large company, enriching my professional experience

Personal learning

Throughout this project, I gained valuable insights and skills in project structuring and implementation using the user-centred design process. Independently planning and executing my first workshop boosted my confidence in engaging with user groups, as well as in conducting usability tests autonomously.

I learned the importance of iterative refinement, recognizing the benefits of revisiting and improving process steps before advancing further. Exploring trust during the research phase provided valuable insights into human psychology, knowledge I believe will be advantageous in future projects.

In conclusion, my bachelor's thesis collaboration with the BMW Group was highly instructive. It not only provided insight into corporate structures but also acquainted me with the workings of a large company, enriching my professional experience

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made with lots of love and dino support

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Verena Grabmaier © 2025

All rights reserved.

Legal Notice | Privacy Policy

thanks for stopping by.

made with lots of love and dino support

Let´s connect

Verena Grabmaier © 2025

All rights reserved.

Legal Notice | Privacy Policy

thanks for stopping by.

made with lots of love and dino support

Let´s connect

Verena Grabmaier © 2025

All rights reserved.

Legal Notice | Privacy Policy