DISCLAIMER
Per client request, we'll be referring to the client as Honey Badger design agency.
OVERVIEW
Honey Badger is an agency that found their niche in doing early design for small enterprises. They were doing so good at it, that clients started to pop all over the USA. So having clients that were no longer only locals that could visit their offices. This presented a great challenge managing their communication with clients, for these projects.
the problem
Solutions in the market didn't fitted the needs of Honey Badger. The existing products, had a deeper focus on handling projects on the agency side. Never "looping in" the client.
Within their plans they also had the vision of opening this product to anyone in need of early stage design.
The goal
A solution that would streamline client projects while keeping the client looped in.
the process
To propose a solution that fits the needs of a business, is key to have a deep understanding of the problem. As well as Their vision and actual situation.
To do so, we started surveying the key stakeholders of the project. Later we discussed the answers on a video call. During these interviews we deepened in what problems arised in the past. The client feedback that led them to search a tailored solution. The timeline in which they envisioned YB launched, etc.
We discovered that they already followed a very strict process when working projects. Which helped to identify the main struggle points in the development of a project. We agreed that for the safety of their investment we should only focus on a MVP. Where we tested the profitability of the model, instead of dumping a lot of money in what might not work.
To close this stage, we defined our proto-personas, empathy maps and user stories.
ideation
The next step was to find a way to solve the problems, from the view of clients, project managers and designers.
To do it we worked on a brainstorming, selected an idea. And finally we defined our users journeys.
Design & test
To keep things moving fast, we sketched the solution first in paper. Focusing only in the main tasks of the project, so we could test it with some target clients.
During the tests, we learned a lot. One of the main insights from the clients was that the main point of anxiety was the project creation. Since getting it wrong could mean a failed project and losing money in the process. Also that not all clients were comfortable doing their creative brief. And would rather pay extra to agency designers to it for them.
With these insights. We iterated with special attention to the creation of the project. To do so, we added extra confirmation points in the creation of a project.
CLIENTS FIRST COMMUNICATION
Even when we were only focused on the main core of the product it turned to be a very big product. At the end we accomplished to bring their desing process to the product. While letting the client follow the project and interacting whenever it was necessary.
The main focus of the product, relayed in the creation of the projects and following the project for a user.
For the creation of the project. We designed a builder panel. Where the user could always review the information inputed. And had the chance to jump back, to make corrections at any time. Finally a confirmation screen with all the brief, before submitting the project.
To let the clients follow the project. We created a timeline inside each project could see progress. Interact when required by the project. And a space to communicate with their account manager.
cohesive design
Today when designing a product, we have to consider the maintainability of the code. That's why while designing YB, I tried to stick to a design system mentality. That could do maintainability easier and in the process reduce the mental load for the user.
Some of the decisions made, were to stick to a 8px grid. Define symbols in sketch, that could later exist in their own kind of frontend framework.
Finally, I added some interaction design to add the extra cherry on the top.
Results
ResultsYB, is being used right now by some of the Honey Badger clients. They also told me having the product made them more strict to follow their proces.
This has helped them to manage projects in a more efficient way. Leading to happier clients and greater margins for their business.
NEXT STEPS
For me there are no more steps to execute in this project. But I'm very happy that I provide a solid base, that their internal product team will be able use as a starting point.
