Quality Chain Corporation
Website Refresh & Optimization
• Workshop
• Heuristic Evaluation
• Cognitive Walkthrough
• Site Map
Role
UX/UI Designer
Year
2022
About
Quality Chain Corp. is a popular nation-wide manufacturer of tire chains. They are primarily B2B but offer direct-to-consumers as well. In 2021, we were approached by QCC to give their website a more contemporary makeover. As the lead designer, I oversaw the process from the initial scope of work, to estimation, to design, and to delivery. For this project, we used the double diamond approach with an aim to identify the goals of the brand and pain points for users.
Hypothesis
By learning more about how QCC's brand positions itself in the industry and how users are navigating their website, we can optimize website usability. This would allow users to find products easily and check out faster.
Findings
The website was dated. Users were having issues finding the products specific to the make and model of their vehicles. The catalog information was also dense and unorganized.
Outcome
Through modernization, we stablished a scalable visual direction starting with the homepage. We elevated the interface aesthetic and responsiveness. Navigation and search usability was improved, and we optimized the catalog and chain finder tools
Process Highlights
Discovery & Definition
To get a better understanding and direction for the objectives we needed to deliver, I led the following:
· A collaborative workshop with the partner to determine their State of the Union, Brand Vision, perceived successes and failures, and understanding of target users
· Heuristic evaluation of their current website
· Cognitive walkthrough of their "Find Your Chain" tool
From these findings, the following objectives were defined:
· Provide a lean visual direction via a homepage design to be applied across subsequent pages
· Increase aesthetic quality of the UI, make site fluid and responsive, increase imagery flexibility
· Improve usability of navigation & search
· Optimize their catalog and chain finder tool
Once I had a good understanding of the focus and intentions of the partner, we started on the designs for the site.
Sitemap and Page Direction
Ultimately what I heard was that the partner wanted a modernized website that was cohesive and easy to navigate. First, I created a sitemap that would be most efficient for the user, while also touching on the goals of the brand.
Design Handoff
Once the designs were finalized, I initiated a design handoff where we provided all the design materials to the development team. This is about an hour long meeting where we go over all the material and answer any questions. Part of my role while the product was being built was to provide creative consultation and ensure that the finished product stays true to the design.
After the product has been built and delivered securely to the partner, we'll continue to monitor website performance, leaving the opportunity open for reiterations. Once a project is all done, we as a team will meet to reflect on the process and discuss what we could've done better in efforts to streamline efficiency.
Reflection
This project was an overall success. The designs had received a first-round approval (there was an allotted two rounds for this project) and the clients were really happy about the outcome.
What I learned:
· How to navigate swirl in partner conversations by providing adequate research and being confident in presenting findings
· Approaching "gap" issues in design to dev delivery by through thoughtful and collaborative conversations
Nike Bill of Materials
• Research
• Prototyping
Role
Digital Product Designer
Year
2024
About
Product Development is the process is a part of product creation where a 2D or 3D design is handed off and a physical product is manufactured. This process combines PPS, apparel BOM creation, materials, FOB, CMP2.0/Costing, and Lab Dip, and other workflows that come together into the development of an apparel product. I was recruited to learn more and launch a case study around a proposed plan to update the tools and workflow for the Apparel E2E process in efforts to streamline team workflows and allow for more accurate and transparent data.
About
At Nike, physical product developers face the challenge of balancing top-tier material quality with strict cost targets. Leveraging my expertise in UX and product design, I played a key role in designing a tool that would modernize workflows and drive efficiency.
Hypothesis
By learning more about the E2E process of apparel product development, we could transform the product development workflow with a connected, automated, and intuitive experience that enables quick, smart decision making to create world class products for consumers.
Problem
The physical product development process was outdated and highly manual. Teams relied on local Excel files and worked across a multitude of different tools. Convoluted workflows led to inconsistent data, version control issues, and potential integrity risks.
Findings
Users were frustrated by duplicated work, slow and outdated systems, reliance on local devices, and the need to jump between too many tools. These issues create inefficiency and friction across workflows. There’s a strong opportunity to streamline processes by eliminating unnecessary steps, improving system speed and usability, creating a more integrated experience, and making data more transparent and accessible. Providing permission-based, direct access for factory partners could further improve collaboration and efficiency.
Solution
To create a modern platform that centralizes data, accelerates collaboration, and provides product teams with the confidence to make faster, data-driven decisions.
Key Learnings
The tool consolidated a fragmented workflow for 1,300+ users, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary steps. As a result, users were able to complete core tasks up to 8× faster in key workflows. The solution saw strong adoption, reduced support needs, and provided a solid foundation for future improvements.
Outcome
The tool consolidated a fragmented workflow for 1,300+ users, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary steps. As a result, users were able to complete core tasks up to 8× faster in key workflows. The solution saw strong adoption, reduced support needs, and provided a solid foundation for future improvements.
Research: Understanding the User
User Interviews
Over a 2-week timeframe, we facilitated 10 1-hour user sessions with AP Product Developers across multiple segment and dimensions in the Asia PCCs to get a better understanding of PPS (Product Process system) and how they’re utilizing the platform.
10 PDs across multiple dimensions/segments:
· Basketball (BB) - 2
· Global Football (GFB) - 2
· Tennis - 1
· Golf - 1
· Jordan Brand - 1
· M/W/Kids - 3
Research: Understanding the User
User Interviews
Over a 2-week timeframe, we facilitated 10 1-hour user sessions with AP Product Developers across multiple segment and dimensions in the Asia PCCs to get a better understanding of PPS (Product Process system) and how they’re utilizing the platform.
10 PDs across multiple dimensions/segments:
· Basketball (BB) - 2
· Global Football (GFB) - 2
· Tennis - 1
· Golf - 1
· Jordan Brand - 1
· M/W/Kids - 3
Nike Bill of Materials
• Research
• Prototyping
Role
Digital Product Designer
Year
2024
About
At Nike, physical product developers face the challenge of balancing top-tier material quality with strict cost targets. Leveraging my expertise in UX and product design, I played a key role in designing a tool that would modernize workflows and drive efficiency.
Problem
The physical product development process was outdated and highly manual. Teams relied on local Excel files and worked across a multitude of different tools. Convoluted workflows led to inconsistent data, version control issues, and potential integrity risks.
Solution
To create a modern platform that centralizes data, accelerates collaboration, and provides product teams with the confidence to make faster, data-driven decisions.
Outcome
The tool consolidated a fragmented workflow for 1,300+ users, improving efficiency and reducing unnecessary steps. As a result, users were able to complete core tasks up to 8× faster in key workflows. The solution saw strong adoption, reduced support needs, and provided a solid foundation for future improvements.