Key Strategic Goal
Design a secure and comprehensive Fintech product that stores and manages data for a top financial institution by:
Focusing on the interactions of the whole platform from the Sign Up process to the process of rating a dataset.
Visualizing key data into charts, graphs and tiles to simplify complex concepts and data.
Brainstorming the name Dash, which is short for Dataset Hub.
For the purposes of this portfolio, all sensitive information has been taken out and replaced with generic data.
The Design Process - Dash & The Double Diamonds
The Double Diamonds outline the Design Process for a given product. Here is how I experienced each step:
1. RESEARCH
During the research process, insights from Quantitative and Data Analysts were gained. The Head of Data Management was also a key stakeholder who provided input on the inefficient, manual process of data management. Her statements helped inform the general foundation, direction and functionality of the platform.
2. SYNTHESIZE
At the Synthesis stage, Personas and Use Cases were formed. More importantly, an accurate Problem Statement with corresponding pain points was developed. By identifying the patterns and trends, the key, needed functionality was determined.
3. IDEATE
Using the design tool, Figma, I mocked up the various screens for the multi-step user processes. Seemingly simple steps like the Sign Up process and the signing of digital Non-Disclosure Agreements took weeks to accomplish. It took time to map out the intricate decision points and the relevant next steps. For example, if a User wanted to skip a registration step, he or she would be directed to a new screen.
4. IMPLEMENTATION
Once the functionality coupled with the look and feel of the platform were determined, I proceeded to create the final mockups. The Figma file I used had different demarcations to let the Developers know the progression and interaction of the screens. Once the developers pushed out the internal working product, the Users were pleased with the initial offering. With more back and forth between the financial institution and the Design team, more modifications were made.
Designing the Right Thing
A PERSONA OUT OF MANY
With a strong sense of the problem area and the pain points, I crafted multiple personas, or ideal users of this product. Doing so creates a sense of realism and urgency. In addition, personas tangibly create a target for the design process.
For the purposes of this portfolio, only one formal persona is displayed.
Problem Statement
The Data Management Team must go through large quantities of datasets to provide to the Investment Team. The current process is too manual, dated and vulnerable to data breaches.
How can we improve the dataset assessment experience for Tracy with a user-friendly yet fully-functioning platform?
The answer: Dash
Designing the Thing Right
the final product
Something Intuitive And Comprehensive In Order to Streamline and Simplify
Dash was designed with the end-User in mind - namely Quantitative and Data Analysts. The goal of this platform’s dashboard (shown below) was to simplify and streamline the User’s responsibilities. The User Research determined that the ability to visualize and sort datasets was crucial. As the Lead Designer, I did my best to make the platform as intuitive as possible while checking off the necessary functionalities.
An Administrator’s Page Built To Make Life Easy
As an Administrator using Dash, it was important to highlight patterns and trends within the meta-analysis of the datasets. The Vendor Management tab (shown below) displays relevant metrics on the different Vendors and corresponding datasets. Again, as the Lead Designer, I had a vision to simplify and streamline the work for the Users.
A Quick Reports Page For All Of Those Datasets - At Your Fingertips
This Quick Reports page (shown below) was my brainchild. I truly thought having a one-stop-shop page of all relevant datasets would prove to be very beneficial to the Users. They could not only sort the datasets in a manner they wanted, but they could also download the Report.
The Details Form - So The User Knows What These Datasets Entail
The Details or Feedback Form of a given dataset (shown below) was designed to be visually simple yet packed with all the necessary information. A User could visit this page, view important information at a quick glance and continue on with his or her work.
Next Steps
The next steps for Dash relate back to the iterative or circular nature of the Design Process. After an initial product is offered, then feedback is obtained and then modifications and improvements are implemented. Then the cycle repeats itself. Since the platform is so heavily user-oriented, the tangible next steps would be defined by the Users. With their input, tweaks and changes can be made.