Overview
This brief version case study showcases the design strategy and execution for iterative improvements and the development of a multi-cloud management feature for a client under NDA. The goal was to create an agile, responsive design strategy that maintains UX consistency while addressing user demands and to validate and design a feature enabling users to manage multiple cloud storage solutions.
Design with Strategy: Iterative Improvement
Objective
To create a continuous design improvement strategy that is agile, responsive to user demands, and maintains UX consistency.
Challenges
Constant requests for new functionalities from sales and users.
Need for a streamlined process to prioritize and implement features.
Ensuring consistent UX across web and OS-based applications.
Approach
Information Gathering:
- Utilized analytics tools to understand user interactions with current features.
- Established regular feedback sessions with users and sales teams.
- Monitored industry trends and competitor updates.
Image below: parts of ompetepter research
Prioritization and Planning:
- Employed a weighted scoring model to prioritize features based on user impact, technical feasibility, and business relevance.
Iterative Design Process:
- Implemented an agile design process with frequent updates based on user feedback.
- Conducted sprint planning, daily meetings, and retrospectives for team alignment.
image below: Earlier version of the prototype focuses on providing an easy-to-glance view of storage tasks and action history between teams to enhance collaboration.
Enhanced the main section of the dashboard by incorporating charts that provide a clear overview of the state of each cloud storage. These improvements are based on user testing feedback to ensure that users can easily glance at and understand the overall status of their cloud storage, thereby improving usability and efficiency.
We improved the dashboard by prioritizing the most important information based on user feedback: user accounts and storage capacity. Using visual hierarchy, we made these sections more prominent and easy to access. Other details like connection status, actions, costs, security states, and account activity are organized into collapsible cards, which users can expand for more information. This design makes the dashboard more user-friendly and efficient. We're excited to keep gathering feedback and making further improvements!
Communication and Alignment:
- Maintained regular stakeholder meetings for open communication.
- Distributed update newsletters to keep all parties informed.
Solution
Design Pipeline:
- Rapidly prototyped using Figma and Adobe XD, iterating based on user feedback.
- Conducted A/B testing to evaluate and select the best design solutions.
- Utilized version control and automated deployments to manage iterations and synchronize releases across web and OS versions.
- Continued refining designs post-launch using ongoing feedback and data.
- Maintained detailed documentation of design decisions for consistency.
Key Tools:
- Google Analytics for usage data.
- Customer support platforms for user feedback.
- Figma and Adobe XD for prototyping.
- Zeplin for design collaboration.
Product Design: Multi-Cloud Management Feature Design
Objective
To validate and design a feature that allows users to connect and manage multi-cloud storage solutions like AWS, Azure, and GCS.
Challenges
- Identifying user needs and key personas for the feature.
- Ensuring technical feasibility and business viability.
- Maintaining security and ease of use across multiple cloud platforms.
Approach
User Research and Validation:
- Conducted surveys and interviews with potential users.
- Created low-fidelity prototypes for early feedback.
- Used secondary research to identify feature trends and pain points.
Feasibility and Viability:
- Collaborated with engineering to evaluate technical possibilities.
- Worked with PM to assess competitive advantages and business impact.
- Considered scalability and maintenance costs.
Solution
High-Fidelity Design:
- Created high-fidelity designs to visualize user interfaces and interactions.
- Developed interactive prototypes to demonstrate workflows.
- Incorporated usability testing feedback to optimize designs.
High-Fidelity Prototype Features:
- Cloud Management Dashboard: A central dashboard to view and manage all connected cloud services.
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Enables users to move files between services easily.
- Security Features: Robust measures to ensure safe data handling and transfers.
Multi-Cloud Management - High-Fidelity Prototype:
Design Impact
“…with the new multi-cloud management feature, I'm flying through tasks, making fewer mistakes, and feeling totally secure about my data!”
The new Multi-Cloud Management feature makes it easier and faster for users to handle multiple cloud storage services. With a centralized dashboard and simple drag-and-drop functionality, users can now complete tasks 30% quicker and make 25% fewer errors. Enhanced security ensures safe data handling, giving users peace of mind. This design boosts productivity and user satisfaction, making cloud management a breeze!
Leaning and Reflect
Test with Diverse Users:
Ensure the design meets varied needs.
Prioritize Security: Visible and strong security features build trust.
Iterate Continuously: Regular feedback and iteration improve the product.
Collaborate Widely: Working with experts enhances design and functionality.
In this project, I identified areas for improvement. The complexity of the multi-cloud management feature sometimes made the interface less intuitive for non-tech-savvy users. Additionally, while basic security protocols were in place, users desired more robust and visible security features.
To address these gaps, I plan to spend more time on user testing with a diverse group to better understand various needs. I also aim to work closely with security experts to enhance our protocols and make security features more user-friendly.
By focusing on these areas, I can improve the user experience and build a more secure multi-cloud management tool.
Details are protected by NDA. The design process shown is a brief version with edited information and media. Contact me directly for the complete design process : )