This year, I had the privilege of attending the AVL 2025 Sales Conference, a dynamic gathering of sales professionals from across AVL’s global network. Held in a vibrant and collaborative environment, the event served as a platform for exchanging insights, exploring future perspectives, and tackling shared challenges. For me, the conference was not only inspiring but also instrumental in advancing my master’s research on redesigning the UI of ONTEC, AVL’s desktop app, which is still under development to include VR capabilities.
The AVL Sales Conference: A Convergence of Innovation and Strategy
From the moment the conference began, it was evident that the focus was on collaboration and innovation. Leaders and sales teams from different regions shared their experiences, best practices, and the challenges they face in a rapidly evolving industry. Keynote sessions highlighted the company’s vision for the coming year, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, customer engagement, and the role of technology in streamlining sales processes.
One of the most insightful moments for me was a panel discussion on leveraging digital tools to enhance the customer experience. This conversation directly tied into my research, as ONTEC is a critical tool designed to empower sales teams to visualize complex models independently, without requiring constant engineering support. While the app is actively used, it’s still evolving, and feedback from sales teams highlighted the urgent need for refinements and expanded features.
Key Takeaways for ONTEC and Its Redesign
Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with several salespeople who use ONTEC in their day-to-day work. Their feedback was invaluable in shaping my understanding of the app’s strengths and areas for improvement. Here are some of the insights I gathered:
- Ease of Use is Crucial: Many salespeople expressed the need for a more intuitive interface. While ONTEC’s current design is functional, there’s significant room to simplify navigation and improve accessibility, especially for users who may not be tech-savvy.
- Potential for VR Integration: While VR capabilities are still in development, sales teams expressed excitement about the possibility of immersive features. They suggested functionalities like interactive 3D models and virtual walkthroughs, which could make client presentations more engaging and impactful.
- Customization and Flexibility: Users emphasized the importance of customizable features, such as the ability to tailor the app’s interface and outputs to different client needs. This would make ONTEC a more versatile tool for diverse sales scenarios.
- Integration with Existing Tools: Several attendees mentioned that ONTEC could benefit from stronger integration with AVL’s other software platforms and CRM tools. Streamlining data sharing between ONTEC and these systems could save time and reduce errors.
How the Conference Enhanced My Research
Attending the AVL 2025 Sales Conference was a turning point in my research journey. It provided me with firsthand insights into the practical challenges salespeople face and how a well-designed tool like ONTEC can address these issues. Hearing directly from the app’s users helped me identify key priorities for the redesign:
- User-Centered Design: The feedback reinforced the importance of putting the user at the center of the design process. By focusing on usability and intuitive navigation, I aim to create a UI that enhances productivity and minimizes learning curves.
- Developing VR Capabilities: While ONTEC’s VR features are still under development, the enthusiasm from sales teams highlights the need to prioritize this area. My redesign will consider how to make these capabilities immersive and practical for real-world use.
- Designing for Scalability: As AVL’s sales teams continue to grow and face new challenges, the app needs to evolve with them. My redesign will prioritize scalability, ensuring that ONTEC remains a valuable tool for years to come.
Looking Ahead
The AVL 2025 Sales Conference was more than just an event—it was a learning experience that deepened my understanding of the intersection between technology, design, and user needs. As I continue to work on redesigning ONTEC’s UI, I’ll carry the insights and feedback from this conference with me, striving to create a tool that empowers AVL’s salespeople to excel in their roles.
This experience reaffirmed my belief that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about solving real problems and enhancing the user experience. I’m excited to bring these ideas to life and contribute to AVL’s mission of driving innovation in the mobility industry.