What is this project about?
The existing system involved multiple platforms and manual processes, leading to data discrepancies, inefficiencies, and wasted resources. To address these issues, we are pushing for a Grocery Central Platform with the goal of creating a single source of truth.
I was tasked with translating the Multiple medias and datapoints into one platform experience that simplifying the Offer Data Management and reducing input errors.
Roles
User Experience Designer
User Experience Researcher
Design System Lead
Product Owner (PM)
Deliverables
Competitive analysis
Task flows
Journey maps
Site maps
High fidelity prototype
User surveys and one-on-one interviews
Usability tests and findings
Tools
Figma
Miro
Invision
Jira
Illustrator
Our system had to work for parties from thousands of suppliers to our customers support team members. Optimizing the transitioning from multi platforms to one is the key in order to lower the costs and time for both WholeFoods Team and our suppliers. We knew that we needed to get into the minds of different clients, internal teams and stakeholders, to truly understand their behaviours, duties and priorities when uploading, editing, managing datas.
I started looking at our current complex systems and established a sitemap as a foundation for the system. While our customers and teams were keen to simplify the end-to-end process for the data management, it is difficult to achieve. With that in mind, the Grocery Central was designed as a complement for scattered 10+ medias and platforms, allowing for an in-depth filtering, extensive metadata and ability to manage with less errors.
In 2023, the UX team to build a new platform for internal teams (GDO, Category Merchants, Senior Merchants) to upload, edit, and manage items. This portal would replace tools like ICon, SNIP, and Smartsheet. And reduce the communication time spent on email, Teams, Excel, Etc.
User Research:
Extensive user research was conducted, involving 15 category managers, 3 procurement team members, and 20 suppliers. Surveys, interviews, and observation sessions helped identify key pain points and requirements. The research revealed that, on average, category managers and procurement teams spent approximately 20 hours per week manually reconciling offer data across various systems.
Competitive analysis
A thorough analysis of existing offer data management platforms in the market was conducted. This analysis revealed that, on average, companies using comprehensive supplier data management platforms reduced data discrepancies by 60% and achieved a 30% improvement in overall operational efficiency.
Information Architecture and Workflow Design:
An intuitive information architecture was developed to ensure seamless navigation and discoverability within the platform. The workflows were streamlined to eliminate redundant steps and automate manual processes wherever possible. User flows and wireframes were created to visualize the proposed system. Initial user testing revealed a 40% reduction in the time required to perform key tasks compared to the previous system.
I worked closely with the Whole Foods Market and Amazon stakeholders to align goals and facilitate effective communication.
Recognizing the shared responsibilities and potential complexities, I initiated workshops and invited designers from both teams working on the Grocery Central platform. These workshops fostered collaboration, enabling us to establish UX patterns and UI components that would ensure a consistent user experience at all levels.
Design System Workshops and Adoption:
The Whole Foods Market Design team collaborated closely with the Amazon Design team to adopt the Meridian design system. This ensured consistency and alignment with established design standards. By leveraging the Meridian design system, the Offer Management Portal design achieved a cohesive user experience that aligned with Whole Foods Market and Amazon's ecosystem. This collaboration reinforced the overall design strategy and allowed for future scalability and maintenance.
High Fidelity Designs
The design of the Offer Management Portal followed Whole Foods Market's brand guidelines while incorporating elements of the Grocery Central platform. A cohesive and visually appealing interface was created, enhancing clarity and usability. Visual design decisions aimed to facilitate task completion and guide users through the offer management process.
Collaboration and alignment
Throughout the design process, close collaboration was maintained with stakeholders, including category managers, procurement teams, and supplier representatives. Regular meetings and feedback sessions ensured alignment with their requirements and expectations. This collaborative approach resulted in a solution that addressed the diverse needs of all stakeholders involved.
Development and Implementation
The design specifications and assets were handed off to the development team, maintaining close collaboration throughout the implementation phase. Agile methodologies were followed, allowing for iterative development and quick feedback loops. The development process ensured the timely delivery of a functional and user-friendly Offer Management Portal.
Usability Testing
From drafting out the script, designing the user tasks, to facilitate the user interview session and writing UXR report.
results and impact
Building on our findings, we built a completely self-service platform that allowed for a much simplified, automated and accurate management for both desktop and handheld devices.
As a result, the implementation of the Offer Management Portal resulted in significant improvements in the efficiency and collaboration of offer management processes.Key outcome: Streamlined Workflows - The portal reduced the time spent on offer submission, review, and approval processes by 40%, allowing for faster decision-making and improved supplier relationships.