DESIGNING User-Friendly Integrations for German Enterprise Clients
Client Overview
We collaborated with EBF, a digital agency based in Cologne, Germany to develop and design an integration tool called DLM specifically tailored for enterprise clients in the European market. This tool is dedicated to managing procurement, oversight, and maintenance of devices. Our project's primary focus inspired us to design a web platform aimed at optimising all facets of device-related processes, from initial order placement to repair procedures.
Challenges
Over the years, DLM has encountered its greatest challenge in aligning business requests with technical feasibility. As UX designers, our primary objective has been prioritising the user's needs, ensuring that our solutions reflect their requirements through collaborative teamwork. We've emphasised UI design enhancements and documented design systems to remain aligned with prevailing visual trends. Additionally, analysing accessibility insights and synthesising UX metrics have been crucial steps in measuring our results effectively.
Use Case
Carl, a procurement officer at a large organisation, is responsible for purchasing and distributing devices (assets) across various departments. We facilitated Carl's tasks by providing wireframes that illustrated user flows for different features within the webshop and management system. These wireframes helped visualize the process and ensure seamless execution of Carl's actions. We outlined use cases tailored to six distinct personas to align with the system provided by EBF's development team. Detailed prototypes were developed and thoroughly discussed with all relevant teams involved in the project.
Personas
The initial and essential step in this process was mapping personas with individuals working within teams at our major client organization. Only after successfully aligning the system with potential users were we able to develop use cases and craft user stories. Using Miro tool, we generated, tested, and approved six fictional personas (e.g., Account Manager Tom, Procurement Officer Carl, etc.), which greatly facilitated mapping out tasks and formulating a comprehensive UX roadmap.
Wireframes & Prototyping
We used Adobe XD to create wireframes and prototypes, which were a must in conducting feasibility checks with developers. This approach also proved valuable in effectively communicating user flows to various teams, including management and sales. Additionally, we developed strategy for conceptualising new features, particularly focusing on asset management and device inventory.
User Interviews
Engaging in conversations with sales teams, who rely on the DLM platform for procurement, provided valuable insights into their mental models and established behaviours, notably in tasks like creating offers. Multiple user interviews were conducted to enhance the offer creation and management processes, considering the perspectives of two distinct personas: customers and managers. This approach proved effective in informing the creation of multiple features for DLM.
Ensuring Inclusivity and Accessibility
One of the most effective ways to measure project success is by testing it with users. Throughout the DLM project for EBF clients, we employed various methods to test our design concepts. Each approach, such as usability testing and accessibility reviews, contributed to our vision of creating a user-centred product that is inclusive and compliant with WCAG (accessibility) standard.
Results
Measurable UX metrics serve as a success story by quantifying the impact of UX improvements on user satisfaction and engagement. For instance, in our project, implementing enhanced navigation resulted in a 20% decrease in user bounce rates and a 15% increase in average session duration. These metrics reflect tangible improvements in user experience, leading to higher retention rates and increased user interaction with the platform.
LET'S UX TOGETHER
Throughout our collaboration, EBF has consistently stood out as a special client that deeply values UX and recognizes its importance. When undertaking a project of this magnitude, involving multiple teams over several years, it's crucial to envision the final product as it should be. This serves as evidence of how our consulting services can assist your company or startup in enhancing its products and services.