UPWARD | 2023
Designers: YuenYin Lee, Shane Kearney, Gen Otsubo
OVERVIEW
In 2023, I undertook a pivotal project to refresh the user interface (UI) and enhance the user experience (UX) of a key desktop application used within our organization. This initiative was closely aligned with the company’s brand refresh, which introduced a new logo and updated brand colors. The goal was to ensure the application not only reflected the updated brand identity but also delivered a more intuitive and seamless experience for its users.
PROCESS
1. Identifying the Problem
Button Inconsistencies:
Variations in button size, spacing, saturation, and labels caused confusion.
Variations in button size, spacing, saturation, and labels caused confusion.
Icon Misuse:
The same icons represented different functions, and identical actions had inconsistent icons.
The same icons represented different functions, and identical actions had inconsistent icons.
Layout Issues:
Overlapping input boxes, misaligned footers, and inconsistent spacing hindered usability.
Overlapping input boxes, misaligned footers, and inconsistent spacing hindered usability.
Complex Navigation:
Dropdowns and search bars were inconsistently sized and poorly positioned.
Dropdowns and search bars were inconsistently sized and poorly positioned.
2. Design & Building UI Kit
- Focused on introducing a consistent color palette, clean typography, and simplified navigation.
- Built a new UI kit to standardize components and ensure alignment with the brand guidelines.
- Built a new UI kit to standardize components and ensure alignment with the brand guidelines.
3. Implementation
- Worked with the development team to implement the changes, ensuring seamless integration with Salesforce.
- Collaborated closely with developers to address technical limitations and made necessary amendments during the implementation process.
- Collaborated closely with developers to address technical limitations and made necessary amendments during the implementation process.
4. Results
Enhanced Usability:
Improved navigation and consistent design reduced user errors and frustration.
Improved navigation and consistent design reduced user errors and frustration.
Modernized Aesthetic:
The app now reflects the updated brand identity with cohesive UI elements.
The app now reflects the updated brand identity with cohesive UI elements.
Increased Efficiency:
Users reported smoother workflows and better accessibility in post-launch surveys.
Users reported smoother workflows and better accessibility in post-launch surveys.
5. Reflection
This project not only allowed me to make a significant impact early in my tenure with the company but also honed my skills in UI/UX design, stakeholder communication, and project management. It reaffirmed the importance of aligning user-centric design with brand identity and leveraging user feedback to drive meaningful improvements.
