CASE STUDY - 2022 / 2023
Sedex: Uniting Supply Chains for Responsible Business
Sedex is a Data Exchange company specialising in supply chain data, with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. Our core mission is to assess and reduce the risk of retailers selling products that don't meet ethical standards.
In our product team, our core expertise lies in connecting members seamlessly and facilitating the exchange of vital information. We handle all aspects related to linking members, from initial setup to the ongoing management of their connections. This includes configuring linkages, overseeing existing connections, and managing the visibility of shared information among these connections.
What disciplines did I collaborate with? Notable mentions:
Adding to the previously introduced members, we also have those working in multiple teams who've made noteworthy contributions to Synergy.
Our team has experienced changes in personnel over the course of the project. Some members have left, while others have joined during this time.
We conducted extensive research by frequently interacting with our members via the members' global chat, speaking to them during research workshops, observing user behaviour through Hotjar, collecting bulk feedback responses via Qualtrics surveys, running small demand tests with Intercom, and analyzing analytics data. By combining insights from these various techniques, we identified the following problems:
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Users expressed a preference for canceling link requests directly from the tabs within the table. They also found in-UI notifications and nudges to be useful for their experience. During testing, it became evident that tabs worked most effectively when all titles were visible without the need for filters. Maintaining all useful tabs and placing relevant content under them consistently delivered the best user experience.
Users expressed a preference for canceling link requests directly from the tabs within the table. They also found in-UI notifications and nudges to be useful for their experience. During testing, it became evident that tabs worked most effectively when all titles were visible without the need for filters. Maintaining all useful tabs and placing relevant content under them consistently delivered the best user experience.
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In our design changes, we restructured the 'Pending' tab into 'Received' and 'Sent,' with a focus on prioritizing 'Received' since it's the most commonly used link state for our members. We also removed the 'All' tab as it didn't serve a practical purpose. To enhance user experience, we introduced a 'Discard Pile' tab for quick access and used a universally recognizable 'Bin/Trash' icon. Additionally, we updated terminology, changing 'Accepted' links to 'Linked' and 'Rejected' links to 'Unlinked' for clarity and consistency.
As a design team, we took on the challenge of enhancing the platform's visual appeal. This involved addressing issues related to consistency across various products within the same platform. We recognized that while many experiences had been redesigned, they lacked the modern styling they needed. To achieve consistency throughout the platform, we revisited our design system. During this process, I advocated for the concept of atomic components design and the use of design tokens to ensure a cohesive and harmonious visual language across all areas of the platform.
Additionally, we initiated a documentation process to maintain full awareness of ongoing developments. To ensure a unified approach, we established guidelines for each component, promoting consistent use of components throughout the design process. This documentation and adherence to guidelines help us maintain a cohesive design language across the board.
With the revision of the styling guidelines, I undertook the task of reviewing my design files. The goal was to align them with the updated styling patterns in use throughout the platform. Ensuring that every part of the design adhered to the design system's components was crucial, as it guaranteed that any updates would seamlessly reflect in my designs, maintaining consistency and cohesiveness.
The main alteration to the page involved widening the table. This decision was driven by the recognition that the table is the central element in a user's link management journey. We aimed to maximize its visibility and impact by granting it the full width of the page. This not only enhances the user experience but also allows for better data presentation, making it more user-friendly and easier for our users to consume the information within the table.
After noticing some user difficulties in distinguishing the tabs, I took the initiative to refine their appearance, making them more distinctly "tab-like." Moreover, as part of a platform-wide update, we altered the background colour and introduced rounded edges to the tables, resulting in a more visually pleasing design. I also advocated for a softer, less harsh aesthetic around the tables, drawing inspiration from successful products in the market that employ data tables effectively. These changes collectively contributed to a more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing platform.
We acknowledge the current performance challenges we're facing. In addition to the final design refinements, we are committed to optimising the performance and loading times for the links page and its various tabs. This holistic approach aims to enhance the action rates of link requests and expedite the processing time for a more efficient user experience.