AIMS DESIGN EXECUTION (McKESSON)

Q1 2023 - Q2 2024

Our team joined a ‘lift and shift’ initiative midstream – a Generics Pricing platform known as AIMS (Awards Implementation Management System). Lacking a user-centered approach, we identified risks in 2 of its remaining 3 independently developed user flows while delivering Design production.

Process

Alignment

Given the project's active status, we met it where it was and infused UX best practices as opportunities arose. With three separate user flows and multiple design iterations, the team had been translating existing features, leaving potential gaps in the experience. A quick review of the site architecture confirmed this. To address it, my team lead, Jung, organized the company’s first cross-functional design workshops with business, development, and users. The result was positive feedback, enhanced creativity, increased transparency, and a fun, collaborative atmosphere.

Design workshop feedback was overwhelmingly positive but did not result in immediate change.

Temporary Setback

Our initial optimism gave way to disappointment as the development process returned to business as usual, with release schedules driven by contractual obligations. To bridge the knowledge gap (i.e., user journey) while meeting deadlines, we decided to work from the bottom up—focusing on design production while conducting user-centered discovery in parallel. While the workshop seemed unsuccessful, it planted a seed for a more holistic approach.

Design Production

I began by executing the design production, using wireframes to validate the requirements. I incorporated existing interaction patterns, ensuring they were appropriate while avoiding the introduction of new components that might constrain future opportunities. The designs underwent the standard process of reviews, feedback, and iterations until finalized.

Design Process Example (Item Block Feature)
1. Information Architecture - Requirements, general functionality are discussed using a site diagram for visualization. In this case, a feature
2. Low Fidelity Diagrams & Wireframes - Hypothesis & concepts are clarified through multiple rounds of cross functional critiques. Prototypes are user-tested and iterated.
3. High Fidelity Mockups - Once approved, visual design is specified and delivered for production.

Design Artifacts Examples (Rebate Management Screens)
1. Sketches - Handwritten or digital sketches were utilized to quickly jot down ideas. This proved extremely helpful in understanding the complex content we were facing.
2. Wireframes - The content or data had their own properties. Grayscale wireframes were used to visualize how they conceptually can be laid out. The team starts to think about how data can be presented and the possibility of interaction models. Cross team collaborations are frequent at this time as we progress to higher fidelity mockups. Typically, these are turned into prototypes for further analysis and testing.
3. High Fidelity Mockups - Visual accuracy, including branding, typography and colors are specified. Assets and guidelines are made available for production.

Feature Evolution Example (DeadNet Calculation)
An extremely valuable feature was identified by the Product Owners and Subject Matter Experts, DeadNet calculations – actual cost of goods. Upon further investigations, hundreds of existing formulas can be narrowed down to a few (fig. 1). Our initial goal was to design a way to present this information to the user, the Analyst. Wireframes and layouts were built to test with the users (fig. 2). Many iterations were done based on our understanding and user feedback. What started as a display of complex formulas with dynamic interactions ended up as a simple Warning message (fig. 3) presented inline at the appropriate time.

Design Operations

I actively participated in two agile streams, monitoring for potential UX issues and addressing them proactively. I fostered open communication with developers, leading to improved collaboration and smoother workflows. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of visual QA as a critical step to ensure product quality.

Added Design Value

As the project evolved, I established guidelines for components and patterns, including color and typography, to ensure UI consistency. These standards also contributed valuable input to the broader company design system. I mapped the site architecture and documented key observations. Meanwhile, my new lead, Svet, focused on building relationships across cross-functional teams, fostering open communication with users. He also conducted grassroots interviews, which helped fill critical gaps in our understanding of the user journey.

  • Lessons

    UX methods empower teams to develop the right solutions at the right time, ensuring designers have the input and flexibility they need.

    Shared knowledge is essential for fostering a harmonious environment, and clear, consistent communication is never excessive.