Streamlining Hierarchical data representation

I led the design of Ted from 0-1, from researching, and identifying problems, to designing and handing off for implementation

Features such as filtering, searching and developing an abstract data structure that that works across all data types.

Role

Product design lead

Duration

2 Month

Team

Jane doe

Data Architect

John Doe

Principal Product Designer

Product Owner

Product Owner

Jane Doe

Business analyst

John doe

Technical Lead

John Doe

Data Analyst

Context

Ted is a robust platform designed to seamlessly ingest data from diverse third-party sources, catering to product owners, data architects, and desk analysts. Its primary objective is to consolidate data across multiple pipelines, establishing a definitive system of truth accessible to all stakeholders. By harmonizing disparate data streams, Ted empowers users with comprehensive and reliable insights, fostering informed decision-making and enhancing operational efficiency

Problem

Our current system presents a significant challenge for users attempting to navigate through hierarchical data. The issue arises when users explore various groups of data, only to find that no providers are visible due to the consolidation of providers at the lowest hierarchy level.

This problem stems from the lack of clarity in data representation, hindering users from effectively comprehending the relationships and attributes within the system. Users struggle to grasp the hierarchy's nuances, which affects their ability to make informed decisions and identify key insights.

Furthermore, the existing hierarchy lacks consistency in column attributes across different levels, leading to confusion and inefficiencies in data interpretation. Users find it difficult to differentiate between geopolitical entities and materials due to inadequate column alignment.

1

There were no filters and no clear way to navigate the large data volums which means users had to click through the many layers of data to find information

2

Search was only limited to Geopolitical entities, which meant if you searched for material entities, you'd reach a dead end. 404

Goal

Increase product adoption by tackling the main pain points

Increase product adoption!

Success Metrics

the percentage of users who actively engage with the platform after its launch. Higher adoption rates indicate successful onboarding and acceptance of the platform among stakeholders.

1

User adoption rate

decrease in the number of support requests or inquiries related to data access, navigation, or functionality. A reduction in support requests indicates improved usability and self-service capabilities.

2

Reduced support requests

data quality metrics, such as accuracy, completeness, and consistency across different sources and reports

3

Data accuracy and consistency

Reduced time spent on data retrieval indicates increased efficiency and productivity.

4

Time saved in data retrieval

Solution

Ted was redesigned to help the process of information retrieval much easier by introducing variety of ways to help users find information. From improving the filtering & search to creating a system to streamline hierarchical data.

1

Filters

1

Improved search and navigation

1

Streamlined hierachical data

1

Improved mapping of data types

Design Decision 1: Navigation

New and improved navigation that makes groups items based on their relatively. Next release was to introduce navigation search to simplify it further.

New and improved navigation that groups items based on their relatively. Next release was to introduce a navigation search to simplify it further.

Design Decision 2: Home

In order to prioritize what features would create the most value in the shortest amount of time, I worked with PM, research, eng, and product ops to strategize a plan for MVP release. We ultimately decided to tackle two workflows that dominate the majority of a broker’s work: employee tasks and open enrollment.

Previously the home screen was empty and so I've introduced all the navigation items and sub-items on the home page to make the process of finding information easier along with search option that highlights in real-time as users type. The results were faster retrieval of information and users building the muscle memory of knowing where what is.

Design Decision 3: Display Hierarchy

Displaying the parent:child relationship to ensure users are aware of its origins, there are many similar names provided from thrid party vendors, as a result this provides confidence to users as a result speeding up the decision making process.

Outcomes

20% increase in WAU (Weekly active users)

1

Increased user adoption

Our stakeholders were pleased with the solutions we've provided

2

Decrease in support tickets by 24% within the first month

Task completion rate reached an all time high

3

Task completion rate increased

Takeaways

I've learned that finding information in a large corporation is like a needle in a haystack. A considerable amount of time is dedicated to finding information.