How might we create a centralized platform for the Distyl team to manage data?
Goals
Create a dynamic tool that can integrate large amounts of system models
Restructure the visual hierarchy to be user-centered and organized
Enhance usability and streamline collaborative workflow
Research Goals
Before exploring our clients' needs, we defined three key research goals to guide our focus. These goals shaped our overarching "How might we" statement and informed the development of targeted user interview questions.
User Interviews
Empathizing with the Distyl Team
In total, we interviewed 4 AI strategists, 1 data scientist, and 1 engineer from Distyl. During these interviews, we asked the AI strategists to showcase their workflow and explain their pain points. We also asked how we could improve their user experience and workflow productivity.
Define
Following user interviews, we identified three key pain points for the Distyl team. They relied on tools like Excel, Google Sheets, and Notion to manage data, but found them inflexible, difficult to organize at scale, and lacking collaborative features. Ultimately, these tools were not dynamic enough to support the specific needs of comparing LLM models.
User Flows
Mapping Out the User's Steps
Before starting the iterative design process, we developed a comprehensive user flow to map the user journey. This ensured full coverage of user interactions and enabled more efficient and informed design decisions.
Mid-Fidelity Wireframes
Creating the Basic Framework
Insights from our user interviews and user flow informed our design approach, driving multiple rounds of iterative sketching and the creation of mid-fidelity wireframes. Ongoing feedback from the Distyl team helped us identify and refine key areas for improvement.
Improving From Feedback
Improving Features with Client Feedback
Guided by client feedback, we refined key features to enhance usability and workflow efficiency. The result is a dynamic tool capable of presenting large volumes of system models, while offering users a clear, organized interface that streamlines communication and collaboration.
Reflection
Meet the Team
Overall, the experience was incredibly rewarding because it provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with talented designers, developers, and experienced industry professionals. Working closely with such a diverse and skilled team not only enhanced my technical skills, but also deepened my understanding of effective collaboration in a cross-functional team.
