Oilfield Classifieds

Quick Highlights:

• 50+ service providers listed within pre-launch phase

• Built with scalable information architecture for listings and job openings

• 5-week design sprint

• Custom iconography system for 30+ service categoriesUser Research

Problem Framing

User Pain Points:

• Service listings scattered across multiple disconnected sources

• No visual hierarchy or verification system for service credibility

• Job opportunities often shared informally and lost in social channels

• Poor mobile usability for on-site professionals

• Lack of category clarity, making discovery slow and inconsistent

Primary Users:

• Service Providers wanting to list and market their offerings

• Field Operators and Recruiters looking for verified vendors and talent

Key Question:
How can we create a trusted, category-driven directory that simplifies service and job discovery in the oilfield ecosystem?

Research and Insights

Approach:
Studied existing industry platforms and B2B directories, conducted interviews with field operators, and reviewed digital adoption barriers among service companies.

Findings:

• Users preferred simple search with clear service categories rather than complex filtering.

• Visual identity mattered — most existing oilfield directories lacked credibility or professionalism.

• Trust indicators (verification, location, reviews) significantly increased listing engagement.

• Job postings needed separate grouping but within the same unified experience.

• Professionals accessed the site primarily from mobile during work hours in the field.

Research and Insights

Approach:
Interviewed industry professionals, analyzed competitor directories, and observed how oilfield companies share information online.

Findings:

• Users needed clarity and structure — visual organization by service category was more valuable than advanced filters.

• Trust indicators like verification, contact visibility, and location proximity were key to engagement.

• Mobile-first design was essential since many professionals browse while on-site.

• Job listings needed to coexist seamlessly with company directories to avoid fragmented experiences.

Ideation and Design Process

Information Architecture:
Organized listings under Services and Jobs, with subcategories for Drilling, Equipment Rental, Transport, Maintenance, and Safety.

Wireframes and Explorations:

• Designed modular listing cards to display service name, category, and region.

• Explored layouts for combined company and job listings.

• Simplified search and filter flow for clarity and speed.

Visual System:

• Industrial yet modern palette using deep navy, slate gray, and warm neutrals.

• Custom iconography for each service category.

• Clear typographic hierarchy for legibility in field environments.

Key Decisions:

• Focused on readability and trust over visual complexity.

• Built scalable design patterns for future monetization and regional expansion.

• Designed UI components to easily integrate with a CMS or WordPress backend.

Final Design and Experience

The Platform:

• Directory view with verified company profiles and regional search.

• Dedicated section for oilfield job postings.

• Simple submission flow for service providers.

• Responsive, mobile-first layout optimized for quick browsing.

UI Gallery:
Show homepage, category directory, job listing page, and mobile layout with card-based design.

Micro-Interactions:
Subtle hover animations, smooth card transitions, and filter feedback for user clarity.

Pre-Launch Status and Next Steps

Progress:

• Design system and full UI prototype completed

• Brand identity and icon set finalized

• Awaiting content population and backend integration

Next Steps:

• Conduct usability testing with oilfield professionals

• Integrate live listings and job submissions

• Plan rollout across Texas and Oklahoma as pilot regions

Learnings and Reflection

• Early validation emphasized the need for clarity over feature depth.

• Designing for traditional industries requires balancing familiarity with modern usability.

• Future phases will explore verified badges, subscription models, and analytics dashboards for service performance.