User Research and Persona Development
The foundation of my approach began with extensive user research. I conducted surveys and interviews with a diverse group of suppliers to gather firsthand insights into their experiences with the existing workflow. This research revealed several critical issues: suppliers were often confused by regulatory requirements, overwhelmed by the complexity of the forms, and struggled with the process due to a lack of clear guidance. To synthesize these findings, I developed a detailed user persona named Supplier Sarah.
Information Architecture Overhaul
With a clear understanding of user challenges, I focused on restructuring the information architecture. A significant change was the introduction of a comprehensive navigation bar that displayed all form steps at a glance. This modification allowed suppliers to see the entire process upfront, reducing anxiety and making the workflow more transparent. Additionally, I segmented the long form into logical sections, which helped in minimizing cognitive load and made the process feel more manageable. This clear segmentation not only improved usability but also provided suppliers with a sense of progress as they moved through the form.
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Enhanced Flow and Interaction Design
To further streamline the experience, I introduced several key features. Batch answering and material grouping were integrated to enable suppliers to handle similar materials collectively, thereby saving time and effort. I also designed the workflow to accommodate custom questionnaires from manufacturers, ensuring that the system could adapt to varying requirements without overwhelming the user. These enhancements were aimed at making the interaction as efficient and user-friendly as possible, reducing the complexity of data submission.
Approach
Wireframing and Stakeholder Collaboration
The design process included the creation of wireframes to visualize and refine the new interface. By developing low to mid-fidelity wireframes, I was able to iterate on the design based on feedback from stakeholders, including marketing teams. This iterative approach ensured that the final design was not only functional but also aligned with the platform’s branding as a "Digital Product Passport." Close collaboration with stakeholders helped in validating design choices and integrating key messaging elements, resulting in a design that was both user-centric and market-ready.
Key Takeaways
The project underscores the importance of a methodical, user-centered approach in design. By breaking down the complex form into manageable segments, enhancing visibility through intuitive navigation, and incorporating flexible interaction features, I created a streamlined workflow that addressed key pain points. The iterative design process, informed by user research and stakeholder feedback, proved crucial in delivering a solution that not only improved engagement but also supported compliance and operational efficiency. This experience demonstrates my ability to tackle complex challenges with strategic, user-focused design solutions.
Impact
Long-Form Optimization Impact
The redesigned workflow significantly increased supplier engagement by simplifying the process and providing a clearer, more motivating experience. The improvements led to higher compliance rates and more effective collaboration, showcasing how a user-centered approach can transform complex workflows into streamlined, efficient solutions.
Overview
The supplier response workflow project was focused on redesigning a critical component of the chemical supply chain platform, responsible for delivering vital safety data to downstream stakeholders. The primary objective was to modernize the platform, enhancing its usability and transparency to ensure that essential safety information was easily accessible and actionable, thereby contributing to a safer global environment.
Challenge
The existing platform was burdened with significant design debt and an outdated user interface, leading to poor navigation and a frustrating user experience. Users struggled to complete tasks efficiently, and the platform's antiquated design eroded trust in its reliability. The challenge was to overhaul the information architecture and user interface, streamlining the workflow to reduce support costs and align the platform with modern usability standards, all while incorporating critical feedback from stakeholders who understood the end-users' pain points deeply.
