Japanese Internet and Web Service Provider Platform

Why?

The platform, while functional, had an outdated interface that lacked consistency across its various services. With no direct access to end-users, the redesign relied on feedback from product owners, managers, and built-in analytics to guide decision-making. The challenge was to create a user-friendly, accessible, and scalable design that could accommodate future features and services.

Challenge

The main challenges included:

  • No direct access to end-users: Testing and validation had to be conducted with product owners and managers, as well as through analytics and surveys.

  • Multiple services: The platform offered a wide range of services, each with its own unique requirements, making consistency a significant challenge.

  • Accessibility compliance: The design needed to meet strict accessibility standards to ensure inclusivity for all users.

Design Process

The process was divided into three key phases:

1. Research & Discovery (1 week)

  • Analytics Review: Analyzed existing user behavior data to identify pain points and areas for improvement.

  • Stakeholder Interviews: Conducted interviews with product owners and managers to understand their needs and expectations.

  • Competitive Analysis: Studied similar platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) to identify best practices and industry standards.

2. Design & Prototyping (2 weeks)

  • Wireframing: Created low-fidelity wireframes for key user flows, focusing on improving navigation and usability.

  • Design System Development: Established a unified Design System to ensure consistency across all services, including typography, color schemes, and UI components.

  • Accessibility Testing: Ensured all designs met accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) through rigorous testing.

3. Testing & Iteration (1 week)

  • Stakeholder Testing: Conducted usability testing with product owners and managers to validate the design.

  • Analytics Integration: Used built-in analytics to track user interactions with the new design and identify areas for further improvement.

  • Iterative Refinement: Made adjustments based on feedback and analytics data to ensure the design met stakeholder and user needs.

Research & Discovery

Understanding the Platform:
Since direct access to end-users was not possible, I relied on analytics and stakeholder feedback to guide the redesign. This included:

  • User Flow Analysis: Identified key user flows and pain points through analytics data.

  • Stakeholder Input: Gathered insights from product owners and managers to understand their priorities and expectations.

Accessibility Matters:
Accessibility was a top priority. I conducted accessibility audits and ensured that all designs met WCAG standards, particularly for users with visual or motor impairments.

Design & Functionality

Design System Creation:
I developed a comprehensive Design System that included:

  • Typography and Color Schemes: Established a consistent visual language across all services.

  • UI Components: Created reusable components (e.g., buttons, forms, navigation elements) to streamline development.

  • Templates: Designed templates for common user flows to ensure consistency and reduce development time.

Feature Additions:
I worked on adding new features to the platform, ensuring they aligned with the existing Design System and met accessibility standards. This included:

  • Dashboard Improvements: Redesigned the dashboard to provide a more intuitive and user-friendly experience.

  • Navigation Enhancements: Simplified navigation to make it easier for users to access different services.

Collaboration with Developers:
I worked closely with the development team to ensure seamless implementation of the new design. This included:

  • Regular Syncs: Held regular meetings to align on design decisions and address any technical challenges.

  • Design Handoff: Provided detailed design specifications and assets to ensure accurate implementation.

Result

he redesign resulted in a modern, user-friendly, and accessible platform that improved usability and consistency across all services. The new Design System streamlined future development, making it easier to add new features and services.

Key Metrics:

  • Improved Usability: Stakeholders reported that the new design was more intuitive and easier to navigate.

  • Accessibility Compliance: The platform met all required accessibility standards, ensuring inclusivity for all users.

  • Consistency Across Services: The Design System ensured a cohesive experience across all services, reducing user confusion.

My Role:
I was responsible for:

  • Redesigning the UX and visual design of the platform.

  • Developing a unified Design System for all services.

  • Ensuring accessibility compliance through rigorous testing.

  • Collaborating with developers to ensure seamless implementation.

  • Adding new features and continuously supporting the platform post-launch.

This project demonstrated the importance of analytics-driven design and cross-functional collaboration in creating a scalable and user-friendly platform.

The project involved the redesign of the user experience (UX) and visual design for a Japanese internet and web service provider, a platform similar to AWS. The goal was to modernize the interface, improve usability, and ensure consistency across all services offered by the company. Accessibility compliance was a key priority, along with the creation of a unified Design System to streamline future development.