Microsoft's Return-to-Workplace
I worked as a core UX designer for Microsoft's return-to-workplace app. (Read more) Since launch, the app has been implemented in 70+ countries, benefiting 14,000+ organizations.
Microsoft wanted us to create an app for employees who were trying to return to the office during the pandemic. At that time, there was no current safe solution for employees attempting to resume office work. The pandemic was something we had never experienced in our lifetime. The suggested app solution needed to be generic, direct, and simple so that anyone could easily use it.
Background
My Role
Core UX Designer – Create user flows based on workshop findings, conduct user research, develop wireframes, and engage in further user research and visual design.
Team
1 Design Director and 1 Visual Designer
Design Process
Here is our overall process to deliver design solutions to our client.
User Flows
First, we used Mural boards to collaborate with the client and develop user flows for different personas. We created templates for these flows and meticulously reviewed each step of the journey for various users, both on the happy path and on the unhappy path. We also explored current pain points and extracted potential opportunities.
User Interviews
Then, we conducted interviews with 8 users to gain insights into their journey to the workplace. During these user interviews, it became apparent that many users expressed a preference for being able to select and assign their facility when obtaining their daily pass.
We then conducted additional user interviews to gather feedback on the designed flows and better understand end users' feedback regarding our solution.
Wireframes
After conducting our research, we decided to focus on users' pain points for their daily passes to the office. This solution included various features such as selecting and assigning their facility, booking workspace, and obtaining a daily pass. We went through multiple iterations to create high-level and hi-fi wireframes to help ease the overall process. A set of wireframes illustrates one flow, specifically the whole process of obtaining a daily pass.
Visual Design
A Visual Designer developed the design systems for the app and refined our design concept. Subsequently, I contributed by creating multiple screens catering to a broader audience, leveraging the design guide and system she had created.
The Launch
After multiple iterations, Microsoft released our solution, the 'return-to-workplace' app, and over 14k+ organizations used it in more than 70 countries. Microsoft's Return-to-Work solution has been featured in multiple articles and interviews.
What other team member says
Janie did excellent work. The work she did was transformational. She captured the essence of what we wanted and the client. She created options for the client to review and incorporated visualizations to further enhance the way the users interacted with the system. She is a strong communicator and puts together professional and well-thought-out presentations. I highly recommend Janie for your UX work. I'd use her immediately for my next project.
James Marzola - Global Technology Strategist at Microsoft
