Live Animal Export Independent Observer Platform

GoSource digitised live export observer reporting with offline-first mobile, desktop and web tools built for long sea voyages and limited connectivity.

Challenge

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) oversees Australia’s live animal export program as a regulator. A key assurance function is delivered through Independent Observers — departmental staff who monitor and report on animal welfare during export voyages. However, the existing process was entirely paper-based, leading to inefficiencies in data collection and reporting. The remoteness and length of voyages posed both technical challenges (no reliable network connectivity at sea) and human challenges (monitoring observer morale and welfare over extended periods away from home).

Solution

Applying the DTA’s service design and delivery process, GoSource used an intensive discovery period to understand the observer program and its users. Workshops and user journey mapping exercises revealed the operating environment and the challenges observers faced on voyages. Sessions with real observers surfaced key insights, including the unexpected finding that personal welfare challenges significantly impacted observers during long voyages.

GoSource used low-fidelity paper prototypes to validate hypotheses and iterate quickly. Given the system needed to span mobile, desktop, and web applications, prototypes and playback sessions with users and stakeholders gave the team confidence before building. The prototypes evolved into digital versions and were quickly transformed into a working alpha.

Continuous feedback was gathered through show-the-thing demonstrations, presentations, workshops, and real observer usage of the MVP. As part of ongoing iteration, GoSource conducted user testing by enlisting observers to perform onshore mock voyages with emulated temperamental network conditions, enabling the team to gain insights from realistic usage despite the politicisation of the live animal export program.

Outcomes

• Offline-first mobile applications: Delivered iOS and Android apps that continue working regardless of vessel location, addressing the core connectivity challenge
• Observer welfare feature: Incorporated a daily check-in feature focused on observer wellbeing, with escalation mechanisms for deterioration — directly inspired by user research insights
• Companion desktop application: Windows desktop app allowed observers to elaborate on contemporaneous notes back in their cabin, reducing post-voyage workload pressure
• WCAG AA-compliant web system: Responsive web management system for voyage planning and post-voyage observer report preparation
• Design system alignment: Web application aligned with DAFF’s branding and style guide through a purpose-built design system
• 5+ years in production: System has been operational for over five years, contributing to increased transparency and confidence in the live animal export industry
• Digitisation of paper processes: Eliminated paper-based reporting, improving accuracy and timeliness of data collection

Technologies & Methods

• iOS and Android native mobile applications (offline-first architecture)
• Windows desktop application
• Responsive web application (WCAG AA compliant)
• Design system aligned to DAFF branding
• DTA Service Design and Delivery Process
• Agile delivery with continuous iteration
• User research: workshops, user journey mapping, paper prototypes, playback sessions
• Onshore mock voyage testing with emulated network conditions
• Offline-first data synchronisation

Team Size

Not specified

Ethical Considerations

User research revealed that observers faced significant personal challenges on long voyages impacting their health and wellbeing. This led to the prioritisation and delivery of a welfare check-in feature focused on the observer as a person, not just as a data collection role.