Integrated Messaging Enhancement Platform
Project Overview
In the fast-paced world of mobile communications, China Mobile—China's largest operator—recognized the urgent need to modernize its traditional messaging systems. Faced with outdated infrastructure that limited functionality and user engagement, the company sought to create the Integrated Messaging Enhancement Platform. This robust backend system was designed to integrate SMS, 5G delivery, mobile authentication, and big data analytics, addressing critical issues such as security vulnerabilities and low user interaction. My role as the Lead UI/UX Designer was pivotal in shaping this innovative solution that would redefine enterprise communication.
TIMELINE
4 Months
MY ROLE
Research, UX Design,
UI Design, Visual Design, Motion Design
TOOLS
Sketch, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe After Effects, Axure
KEY SKILLS
User Research, User Flow, Prototyping, Design Library, Testing
The Challenge
As we embarked on this transformative journey, we were aware of the significant challenges at hand. The existing messaging system was grappling with:
Limited Functionality
Traditional SMS lacked interactive features crucial for user engagement.
Complex Integration
Businesses struggled to connect with CRM and marketing tools, leading to inefficiencies.
Security Vulnerabilities
Outdated authentication methods posed risks to user data.
Low User Engagement
There was minimal ability to leverage big data for personalized marketing strategies.
Recognizing these issues, we aimed to create a platform that would not only bridge old and new technologies but also empower businesses with cutting-edge messaging capabilities.
Design Journey
User Interviews - Qualitative
My journey began with user research, where I led a dedicated team in conducting 12 in-depth interviews with stakeholders including marketing managers, IT administrators, and end-users. These conversations revealed critical pain points—frustrations with limited functionality, integration challenges, security concerns, and low user engagement. These insights were invaluable, guiding our design decisions and reinforcing the importance of user feedback in creating a platform that genuinely addressed real needs.
Questionnaires - Quantitative
To complement our qualitative insights, I initiated a quantitative study through questionnaires, reaching a broader audience. This approach provided robust statistical data that validated and expanded our initial findings, allowing us to understand the landscape of user experiences more comprehensively.
The questionnaire targeted 100 participants and achieved an impressive 80% response rate.
Key Findings
Interface Usability
A significant percentage of respondents indicated difficulties with the existing system's interface, highlighting the need for a more intuitive design.
Security Requirements
Many participants expressed a strong desire for enhanced security features, aligning with insights from the interviews.
Security Requirements
Many participants expressed a strong desire for enhanced security features, aligning with insights from the interviews.
User Personas
Understanding our users was essential for effective design. We created distinct user personas, each representing the unique needs and challenges of different stakeholders. These personas became our guiding stars, helping us shape a platform that truly resonated with its users.
User Flow
I meticulously mapped out the user flow to enhance efficiency and clarity. By outlining the key tasks users needed to accomplish, I focused on intuitive navigation, grouping important features logically to minimize clicks. Usability testing allowed us to refine this flow further, ensuring it met user needs and provided clear guidance without overwhelming them. This structured approach created a seamless path for users to achieve their goals effortlessly.
Prototypes
As we delved into the complex backend system, time was of the essence. I utilized Sketch to create a paper framework that facilitated collaborative meetings with product managers, developers, and other teams. Through these discussions, we refined functional designs and integrated diverse expertise. Once we reached consensus, we quickly moved on to develop a high-fidelity prototype, turning our ideas into a cohesive design ready for implementation.
Official Website
I kicked off the prototyping phase by designing the official website, ensuring it was responsive for both mobile and desktop devices. This adaptability provided an optimal user experience across various screen sizes, maintaining consistency and usability. Official Website
Homepage
Next, I focused on the management backend, beginning with the homepage. This central hub was crafted to offer users a clear overview of tasks and notifications, enhancing accessibility to essential functions while prioritizing an intuitive navigation structure.
key functional pages
I then focused on key functional pages, ensuring that each one was intuitive and user-friendly. By prioritizing clarity and efficiency, I created a streamlined interface that guided users effortlessly through their workflows, allowing them to manage their messaging campaigns with confidence and ease. This storytelling approach to prototyping not only facilitated user engagement but also laid a solid foundation for the platform’s success.
Key components included:
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Link to Short Link
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Edit Message Content
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HTML5 Bottom Bar- Navigation Settings
Other pages
Design Components
To foster collaboration and unify design standards, we established a comprehensive component library. This resource housed reusable design elements, along with clear guidelines, ensuring a consistent look and feel across the platform. By providing a shared set of specifications, we streamlined the design process and improved communication among teams.
Branding
During the branding phase, I focused on designing product logos that symbolized connectivity and innovation. Each logo aimed to evoke trust and resonate with our target audience, helping to distinguish us in the market and foster user loyalty.
Launch
As we approached launch day, excitement buzzed within the team. We conducted thorough usability testing, observing real users as they navigated the platform. Their feedback illuminated strengths and areas for improvement. Armed with this information, we implemented iterative updates, carefully crafting each adjustment and testing for a smoother user experience.
Finally, we launched the platform to positive responses from users, who appreciated the intuitive design and robust features. To visually capture our journey, we created a flowchart showcasing key updates based on user feedback, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement and user satisfaction. This reinforced our belief that the launch was just the beginning of an evolving process.