Industrial & Technology Solutions

Advancing Siemens eXplore through design: Crafting a user-centric interface to optimize cloud solution usability and interactive experience.

Introduction

My contribution to Siemens' eXplore revolved around advancing the UX/UI to better accommodate the complexities of digital threads and integrated solutions. The objective was to transform eXplore into a more user-friendly platform, making the navigation and understanding of its multifaceted features more accessible. By redesigning user interfaces and improving information architecture, I aimed to provide a more coherent and engaging user experience, thereby enhancing the efficiency and efficacy of digital transformation strategies.

Roles & Responsibilities

UX Research
UX/UI Design
Web Design

Design Process

Research

The Problem

eXplore's challenges include a visually unappealing interface and a lack of real-time client interaction features. This leads to staff reliance on PowerPoint for simplicity, overshadowing the platform's capabilities. The process for new feature implementation is disjointed and lacks strategic focus, affecting the platform's utility in effectively demonstrating solutions to clients.

Discovery & Site Map

I thoroughly examined eXplore's site structure, identifying key areas for UX enhancement. This phase was pivotal for me in addressing the platform's visual and navigational shortcomings, essential for a user-centric design. My aim was to remodel the site map, integrating features for direct client engagement and reducing reliance on external tools like PowerPoint. This approach was geared towards elevating the platform to meet Siemens' strategic benchmarks and enhance the overall user experience.

User Journey

User Persona & Empathy Map

After interviewing over 20 employees, three personas stood out as encompassing the overall views of the users: Caroline (COO), Alex (Relationship Manager), and Lisa (Sales Representative). My insights into their unique needs and perspectives guided me in tailoring eXplore’s UX/UI design. This personalized approach ensures that each user type finds the interface intuitive and perfectly aligned with their specific professional requirements.

User Flows

In redesigning the sitemap for eXplore, I focused on creating a more fluid and straightforward user flow. My objective was to enable users to reach any endpoint within 45 seconds, balancing ease of navigation with the necessity to cover details comprehensively. This reconstruction ensures that presenters can swiftly locate required sections without overwhelming or rushing through content. The result is a fine-tuned balance that enhances the user's ability to engage effectively with the platform, simplifying their journey and making every interaction more intuitive and impactful.

User Journey Analysis

My analysis, informed by interviews, highlighted key pain points in eXplore's current design. The feedback underscored a demand for simpler navigation and quicker access to essential features. These insights are pivotal in refining the user journey to be more aligned with user expectations and practical utility.

Ideate

Market Affinity Diagrams

I meticulously categorized and prioritized features based on insights from client calls and feedback. This process involved compiling a comprehensive list of proposed features, alongside detailed notes and comments. High-priority features included the integration of PowerPoint displays in Explore, cataloging collateral, enhancing scenarios, implementing a prioritization system, creating a coherent timeline, addressing quick usability fixes, and a bucket of simple visual improvements. These diagrams served as a strategic tool, guiding the decision-making process to focus on impactful features with a balance between effort and effect.

Feature Board & Information Architecture

I crafted key recommendations for Siemens. A 'Birds View' feature was proposed, where users can interact with an illustrative 3D factory, clicking on machines to explore industries. To align with branding, we opted for stylized 3D Actors over photorealism. Simplifying the levels was vital to reduce user overwhelm, ensuring clarity. For usability, I focused on recommendations for smoothing camera transitions and enhancing contextual awareness within the platform's levels, creating a cohesive and intuitive navigation experience.

Prototype

Wireframes & Prototype

I carefully crafted wireframes and prototypes, applying my expertise to implement critical UI improvements for eXplore. These strategic improvements were influenced by a comprehensive analysis, targeting previously identified usability concerns. The redesign emphasizes a clean, intuitive interface, promoting effortless navigation and interaction. With this overhaul, I have significantly elevated the user experience, ensuring that every interaction with the platform is coherent and user-friendly. The new prototype is a testament to user-centered design, bridging the gap between user needs and technological capability.

Usability Testing

My collaboration with the Emma3D development team was pivotal in implementing the UX/UI enhancements for eXplore. Through iterative rounds of revisions and rigorous testing with the Siemens team, we honed the changes until we achieved a product that stood out for its user-centric design. Our exhaustive process ensured each feature was not just functional but also intuitive, leading to a final iteration that we unanimously agreed provided a superior experience for our users. This phase was critical in validating that our solutions met the high standards expected by both the stakeholders and the end-users.

Final Design

Understand

What I Learned

Reflecting on the journey encompasses invaluable lessons from addressing and overcoming the challenges in redesigning SolutionLink. My solution, focused on intuitive navigation and compelling content delivery, has revolutionized how the sales team presents to C-level executives.

In revamping Siemens' eXplore, I addressed its key challenges: a lackluster interface and limited real-time interaction. The redesign enhanced the UI and information architecture, making the platform's complex features more intuitive and accessible. This shift not only improved visual appeal but also streamlined new feature implementation, aligning with strategic goals. Now, eXplore effectively showcases solutions, elevating the sales team's capabilities beyond basic PowerPoint presentations to a dynamic, client-engaging tool.