UI/UX Designer
Length
2 weeks
Team
Individual
Year
2023
Puckboard is a web platform revolutionizing the U.S. Air Force's mission scheduling by replacing outdated manual processes with streamlined, intuitive digital interfaces. This project involved revamping the Puckboard product by redesigning pages with the new Nimbus design system and UI improvements. The goal was to ensure an improved, cohesive and user-friendly experience across the entire Puckboard platform.
The Problem
👀 Solution
Using the new design system, I redesigned the product pages to have….
More contrast, improved hierarchy and use of brand color, making them easier on the eye
Less clutter and confusing components for smoother, more straightforward interactions
Design elements that can be easily added to accommodate scalability of the product and bridge the gap between designer and developer
Redesigns that have a modern, visually appealing aesthetic, contributing to a familiar, positive user perception
Product Overview
Research & Discovery
Throughout my time on the team, I have conducted various user interviews with users to deep dive into their scheduling processes and they would share a lot of the same problems. From the in person base visit I attended, I had a better vision of their day to day processes and frustrations with the product.
These insights led me to understand more of some challenges our team was experiencing…
Users getting frustrated because the complexity would steer them away
The heavy cognitive load and clutter on the screens made it more difficult for users to scan through pages and complete their task, especially new users
Users would spend extra time on the page to accomplish important daily tasks because of the lack of affordance and information overload
Our goal was to redesign the product with the new design system with these thoughts in mind.
Design Workflow Improvements
Modernized product with a sleeker look
and enhanced usability
The design system allowed me to design fairly quickly than before with a more modern visual appeal, especially since i had knowledge from helping build the design system. I was able to create new components to be the building blocks and the bulk of the product to be reused consistently. At the same time, I was also building on the design system components, proposing new properties and improvements when needed, making them more customizable to fit more use cases.
🔍 A closer look at the Gantt view before and after:
Overall, the second design prioritizes ease of use, with a cleaner interface that highlights important elements and information for the user.
🔍 A closer look at the 2 week calendar view before and after:
In the feedback sessions with developers, I walked them through each page, highlighting changes (major and minor suggestions), improvements, and new local components I made needed for these specific pages. Their feedback contributed to quick iterations, balancing user feedback and design standards while considering constraints on introducing major features. Future iterations will address more feedback and aim to further enhance the user experience.
Feedback & Results
"It's such a cleaner way to switch between modules and roles on the site."
-A US Air Force Scheduler
"Very intuitive, unlike [another scheduling platform], which I can't figure out even after years of using it."
-A US Air Force Scheduler
"I think you guys are doing a great job on making things intuitive and user-friendly, which is one of the main benefits of Puckboard!"
-A US Air Force Scheduler
"Anyone using the original Puckboard should be able to navigate the Retrofit without any issue."
-A US Air Force Scheduler
"I didn't know about this sorting feature until now, this is so helpful." (About a feature that was in original Puckboard but wasn't clear to users)
-A US Air Force Scheduler
"Puckboard is so easy to use now."
-A US Air Force Scheduler
Feedback session with a US Air Force scheduler after rollout!
Learnings & Reflection
