## Vanishing Emails is a Cannes Lions award-winning beacon of innovation, introducing a cutting-edge solution to a significant environmental issue: CO2 emissions from email storage. This initiative automates the management of email content, particularly the deletion of temporary promotional emails, pioneering a new approach to reducing digital carbon footprints with advanced technology from Amazon Web Services (AWS). This innovative method challenges traditional email management practices and promotes a shift towards more sustainable digital habits.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2F0BRq4wt8LqjUIHRKlhxN%2F9477f792-1ed5-4d1f-8b17-0a8eb2321c56.jpg?alt=media&token=0e14c02d-acff-4eaa-8ade-d515f07b5b8c","id":"9477f792-1ed5-4d1f-8b17-0a8eb2321c56","width":3840,"height":2160,"filename":"iPhone 13 - Midnight-1.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2F0BRq4wt8LqjUIHRKlhxN%2Ff8dd46ff-c438-4f9c-ad20-0a4dcb089aea.mp4?alt=media&token=dcf72490-c8d8-4293-980c-d4c5b1fbf7f0","id":"f8dd46ff-c438-4f9c-ad20-0a4dcb089aea","width":1920,"height":1080,"filename":"AMAZON_VANISHING EMAILS_Master 30MB ok.mp4","type":"video/mp4","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My Role:**

As a User Experience Designer, my role in this initiative was multifaceted. I spearheaded the design and development process, ensuring that the application addressed both user needs and environmental objectives. From conducting user research to prototyping and collaborating with cross-functional teams, I played a central role in shaping the project's direction and outcomes.

### **Key activities I led:**

Throughout the project, I led various key activities aimed at creating a sustainable and user-centric solution. These activities included conducting extensive user research to understand user behaviors and needs, designing intuitive interfaces and workflows, prototyping and testing iterations of the application, and collaborating closely with development teams to ensure seamless implementation.

### **Design Process:**

Our design process followed a structured and iterative approach, incorporating user feedback and environmental considerations at every stage. We began with thorough user research to gain insights into user behaviors and pain points. Armed with this knowledge, we moved on to ideation and concept development, followed by prototyping and user testing to validate our designs. Continuous iteration and refinement were central to our process, ensuring that the final product met both user needs and sustainability goals.

### **Skills utilised:**

This project required a diverse set of skills, which I leveraged to drive its success. Key skills utilized included user research to understand user behaviors and preferences, UI/UX design to create intuitive and visually appealing interfaces, prototyping to test and iterate on design concepts, collaboration to work effectively with cross-functional teams, and communication to articulate design decisions and recommendations.

### **Key outputs and outcomes:**

The primary output of this project was the development of an innovative application feature aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from email storage. By automating the deletion of expired promotional emails, we significantly reduced email storage volume and associated energy consumption. This not only contributed to global sustainability efforts but also improved operational efficiency and user experience. Overall, the project demonstrated the power of user-centric design and technology in addressing complex environmental challenges.

---

## **Project - In depth**

---

### In this initiative, I played a pivotal role as a User Experience Designer, overseeing key activities such as user research, interface design, and collaboration with development teams. Leveraging my expertise in user research, UI/UX design, prototyping, and communication, I spearheaded the development of a user-friendly application interface. Our primary objective was to create an innovative solution to automate the deletion of expired promotional emails, thereby reducing the environmental impact of digital communication.

### **Objective:**

Our objective was clear: to develop an application that significantly reduces CO2 emissions from email storage, promoting more sustainable digital practices. By automating email content management, particularly the deletion of transient promotional emails, we aimed to lower energy consumption in data centers and contribute to global efforts in reducing digital carbon footprints.

### **Challenges:**

Addressing the environmental impact of digital communication, particularly email storage-related CO2 emissions, posed a significant challenge. We needed to design a solution that automatically identifies and deletes expired promotional emails without compromising user experience or privacy. Additionally, ensuring compatibility and seamless integration with various email platforms and services presented challenges.

### **Approach:**

We approached the problem by developing a new feature on Amazon Web Services (AWS) to intelligently manage email storage by automatically deleting expired promotional emails. Utilising advanced algorithms, we identified and tagged promotional emails for deletion based on various criteria such as sender, subject lines, and content patterns. Collaborating with internal AWS resources and VML, we explored different approaches for identifying and deleting emails, prioritising user privacy and security while ensuring efficient processing and data handling within AWS's scalable and secure cloud infrastructure.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2F0BRq4wt8LqjUIHRKlhxN%2F2e99013b-7be3-4a77-8a13-d38643518610.png?alt=media&token=a3cdf64f-2c61-4393-ab39-8758aeb1b5af","id":"2e99013b-7be3-4a77-8a13-d38643518610","width":3776,"height":3730,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Journey Map","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2F0BRq4wt8LqjUIHRKlhxN%2F7cfcf885-ca00-4971-bfcd-1c3d24e87633.png?alt=media&token=05bfeefc-e769-4b51-bd3a-74b2b9339bbd","id":"7cfcf885-ca00-4971-bfcd-1c3d24e87633","width":7910,"height":2328,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Proposed app flow","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2F0BRq4wt8LqjUIHRKlhxN%2F4c259d8d-e427-46db-be2e-c7b1d3e1f60c.png?alt=media&token=d2a0e18e-4690-4f09-868c-95e2087a5f96","id":"4c259d8d-e427-46db-be2e-c7b1d3e1f60c","width":2876,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Landing page version 1","border":false}]}
```

### **Results:**

Our efforts yielded a user-friendly feature on AWS that automates the deletion of expired promotional emails, leading to a significant reduction in email storage volume and associated CO2 emissions. We also tested and iterated on different approaches for identifying and deleting emails, ensuring effectiveness and minimal user intervention. This work positioned AWS as a leader in digital sustainability, offering a solution that not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances user experience and operational efficiency.

**Learnings:**

This project underscored the importance of collaboration and partnership with internal and external stakeholders in tackling complex environmental challenges. We learned that user-centric design principles are crucial in balancing environmental goals with user experience and privacy considerations. Additionally, we recognized the need for continuous iteration and improvement to adapt to evolving user needs and technological advancements in digital communication.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, our journey to develop this innovative solution has been both challenging and rewarding. By leveraging AWS's scalable infrastructure and advanced algorithms, we have made significant strides in reducing CO2 emissions associated with email storage while improving operational efficiency and user experience. As we continue to innovate and collaborate, we remain committed to driving positive change and contributing to a more sustainable future for all.

Sustainability Product: Vanishing Emails

## Glofox is is an all-in-one software solution built to drive success in fitness businesses of any size, anywhere in the world. From what started as a humble 3 person operation in a tiny office space in Dublin has grown to a 200+ employee company that operates in 80+ companies worldwide.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FINjy6DsAfEBM47hcbiUc%2Fdcfbeb26-4763-4c02-acf4-bdc0c3494952.png?alt=media&token=7257e57e-3080-4974-8d51-325a25e32074","id":"dcfbeb26-4763-4c02-acf4-bdc0c3494952","width":926,"height":1024,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Members application for booking gym slots","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My role**

As a Senior Product Designer at ABC GLOFOX, I played a pivotal role in steering the design direction for the fitness software. Taking the lead in ensuring design excellence, I collaborated across teams to instill a user-centered approach and elevate the product's visual and functional aspects.

### **Key activities I led**

Orchestrated the end-to-end design process, from ideation to implementation. Conducted in-depth user research, prototyping, and usability testing. Fostered design thinking methodologies and mentored junior designers in the team.

### **Skills Used**

* Applied advanced skills in UX/UI design

* Information architecture

* Design system management.

### **Key outputs and outcomes**

Spearheaded the development of a highly intuitive and visually appealing fitness software, contributing to the global expansion of ABC GLOFOX and delivering substantial revenue growth for fitness businesses.

---

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FINjy6DsAfEBM47hcbiUc%2F02e19ee4-2a83-444c-bfaf-6b0fab171f7e.png?alt=media&token=724a3cd6-a24f-432a-9dc9-a5e97d503f8e","id":"02e19ee4-2a83-444c-bfaf-6b0fab171f7e","width":578,"height":628,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Members booking experience","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FINjy6DsAfEBM47hcbiUc%2F18cfe24f-fd00-4043-a29c-f84c0cb9f533.png?alt=media&token=ea60e7fd-b811-45e4-a52f-8e780d019a77","id":"18cfe24f-fd00-4043-a29c-f84c0cb9f533","width":570,"height":684,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Push notifications were a new thing back then","border":false}]}
```

---

## **In-depth Project Details**

### **Introduction**

ABC GLOFOX's ambition to democratize success in the fitness industry set the stage for a comprehensive software solution. My role as a Senior Product Designer involved intricately addressing design challenges to align with the company's mission.

### **Objective**

The primary objective was to provide fitness operators, irrespective of size or location, with a sophisticated, consolidated platform. This aimed to optimize business operations, fuel growth, and elevate the overall user experience for both businesses and end-users.

### **Challenges**

Navigating the inherent complexities of fitness business operations and ensuring a seamless international reach were formidable challenges. My role demanded innovative design solutions to enhance user engagement and accommodate diverse business models.

### **Approach**

Championing a user-centric design methodology, I spearheaded extensive global user research, collaborating seamlessly with development teams. Regular feedback loops were established to facilitate continuous improvement, ensuring the product's alignment with user needs.

### **Results**

The project yielded a platform that not only penetrated 80+ countries but also witnessed an impressive 89% growth in revenue for fitness businesses. The user-friendly interface, a product of design thinking, significantly contributed to enhanced user engagement.

### **Learnings**

Valuable insights were gained into the critical importance of prioritising user experience within the fitness industry. The project underscored the significance of fostering a healthy remote work culture and cultivating a mindset of continuous innovation.

### **Conclusion**

ABC GLOFOX's success, powered by a cohesive team, innovative fitness software, and a relentless commitment to advancing the global fitness landscape, exemplifies the impact a Senior Product Designer can have on shaping the future of fitness technology.

Product launch: Glofox

## GenAI and Conversational chatbots are tearing at the very fabric of how people do business today. For this project, myself and my team we're giving two short weeks to discover and implement a set of features that leveraged GenAI to help solve top user issues. The result was a chatbot and enhanced GenBI screens.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FJ1bBWISGPc76N0OeO0xU%2F95638a8f-3f6d-4364-ac59-e12b462f0821.png?alt=media&token=51eafe41-ceb6-40c7-a8cc-359b4951a107","id":"95638a8f-3f6d-4364-ac59-e12b462f0821","width":3960,"height":2048,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Chatbot example screen","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My Role**

As the Principal Product Designer, my role extended beyond traditional design tasks. I was responsible for orchestrating a cohesive design strategy, aligning it with the Webheart's business objectives. For this use-case, we will call this company Webheart to protect their identity

### **Key Activities I Led**

**Strategic Design Leadership:** Guided the design team in envisioning and executing a comprehensive solution for addressing user challenges. Collaborated closely with stakeholders, ensuring the design aligns with business goals and user needs.

**Advanced User Research:** Conducted in-depth user research to gain a profound understanding of the challenges faced by CDP users. Applied advanced empathy-driven design methods to inform the development of the GenBI Dashboard and the Conversational AI Assistant.

**Cross-Functional Collaboration:** Orchestrated collaborative efforts between designers, engineers, and product managers to ensure seamless implementation of design solutions.

**Iterative Design Process:** Led iterative design processes, incorporating feedback loops to refine solutions and enhance user experiences.

### **Skills Utilized:**

**Strategic Design Thinking:** Applied strategic thinking to align design efforts with broader business objectives, contributing to Webheart's success.

**Data Visualization Expertise:** Utilized advanced data visualization techniques to transform CDP dashboards into concise, insightful reports with the GenBI Dashboard.

**Leadership and Collaboration:** Demonstrated strong leadership skills, fostering collaboration across diverse teams for effective solution development. Effectively communicated design decisions to stakeholders, ensuring a shared vision for the project.

### **Key Outputs and Outcomes:**

**Innovative Solutions:** Orchestrated the design of the GenBI Dashboard, a revolutionary solution that transformed raw CDP data into actionable insights. Crafted the Conversational AI Assistant, a user-friendly guide that streamlined onboarding and supported experienced users.

**Efficiency Gains:** Contributed significantly to Webheart's efficiency gains through the implementation of innovative design solutions.

**Revenue Impact:** Demonstrated the potential for revenue uplift by enhancing user experiences and reducing customer churn.

---

## In-depth Project Details:

### **Introduction**

Users faced challenges with overwhelming dashboards and complex features in the powerful reporting product.

### **Objective**

Developed GenBI Dashboard and the Conversational AI Assistant to address user challenges, focusing on simplicity and efficiency.

### **Challenges**

Balancing the power of Webheart's reporting product with user-friendly onboarding and distilled insights.

### **Approach**

Led a comprehensive design strategy, leveraging advanced research to inform tailored AI solutions. Utilized a strategic design approach to ensure the alignment of design efforts with Webheart's overarching business goals. Emphasized the importance of an iterative design process to refine and optimize the proposed solutions.

### **Results**

The GenBI Dashboard significantly reduced analyst reporting time, showcasing the tangible impact of innovative design solutions. The Conversational AI Assistant played a pivotal role in reducing the onboarding time, contributing to increased user engagement. Demonstrated substantial efficiencies, illustrating the potential for revenue uplift for Webheart.

### **Learnings**

Emphasized the critical role of concise insights and user-centric guidance across diverse user proficiency levels. Recognized the strategic importance of aligning design efforts with broader business goals for sustained success.

### **Conclusion**

The successful implementation of innovative AI solutions transformed the user experience, significantly reduced time investments, and played a pivotal role in Webheart's overall efficiency and revenue protection. The project underscored the strategic impact a Principal Product Designer can have in shaping a product's success.

## **Project visuals**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FJ1bBWISGPc76N0OeO0xU%2F4cba30c1-ad2b-4990-8cbe-b60d36e8c218.png?alt=media&token=7f72b042-8ff8-47f3-95de-d75a37831c23","id":"4cba30c1-ad2b-4990-8cbe-b60d36e8c218","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Example screen for GenBI dashboard and lightbox","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FJ1bBWISGPc76N0OeO0xU%2F64af17ff-9d5e-46e0-aba1-9f10ed301e95.png?alt=media&token=e9bc5c74-d8ef-49c9-ad87-602e37057365","id":"64af17ff-9d5e-46e0-aba1-9f10ed301e95","width":2806,"height":1574,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Early exploration of the Cpnversational AI Assistant","border":false}]}
```

AI Discovery: Webheart

## Conversations is a platform that enables managers and employees to have regular, meaningful discussions about work-related topics such as career growth, feedback, and recognition. The goal of Conversations is to foster a culture of open communication and collaboration within the workplace, ultimately leading to increased engagement, retention, and productivity.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2F62344d92-feef-4439-adbc-e3b8bdc542a9.png?alt=media&token=62b1e9b4-b76f-4a12-b5ed-4f013d21ce2f","id":"62344d92-feef-4439-adbc-e3b8bdc542a9","width":3138,"height":2008,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"A sample screen of Conversations' award winning interface and UX design","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My role**

* Devise and implement a Conversations strategy aimed at attracting customers, transforming the industry, and boosting engagement with Workhuman products.

* Collaborate with designers and engineers to define feature functionality and oversee the execution of the product roadmap.

* Lead planning, prioritization, metrics tracking, marketing, messaging, positioning, and go-to-market plans.

* Successfully manage complex, user-facing product launches within project timelines and budget constraints.

* Develop visually appealing product interfaces and marketing materials that are consistent with the brand and targeted audience.

* Establish relationships with critical customers by utilizing effective communication and feedback loops to improve engagement and retention rates.

* Work on technical platforms and user-facing features to deliver high-quality products that satisfy business and user needs.

* Communicate persuasively through both oral and written channels and motivate the team to pursue a common goal.

* Flourish in a fast-paced, startup environment by utilizing humor and a can-do attitude to achieve results.

### 

### **Key activities I led**

* Hiring, managing and mentoring other team members while the Conversations team grew while grew.

* Research: worked hands-on with our in-house product research team to understand Jobs to be done, all discovery research, competitor analysis.

* Ran executive and client workshops to better integrate stakeholder expectations, business rational and company goals into product planning and delivery of right solution.

* Work with wider design team and oversaw creation of visual identity, product style and direction as well as contributions to new company-wide design system..

* Collaborated with marketing, CSM and LSM groups to ensure a unified approach to product launch, marketing and promotional materials including learning and development for process change.

### 

### **Skills utilised**

* Product strategy & vision

* Interaction design

* Prototyping and user testing

* Mobile design

* Information architecture

* User research and analysis

* Hiring

* Goal setting for team members

* Collaboration and workshopping

* Goal setting (OKRs)

* Agile methodology

* Project management

* Communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams

* UX writing and content design

* Data analysis and interpretation

### **Key outputs and outcomes**

* +6.3 million pieces of content created.
* Over 1 million users served.
* Team growth from 7 to over 40 people.
* 15 clients.
* Clickable prototype below ***(Hover header and click fullscreen)***

```cv
figma
{"url":"https://www.figma.com/proto/jEZYRGojCp4nqK5azzYTMj/Stewy?page-id=1515%3A1890&type=design&node-id=1907-35853&viewport=358%2C313%2C0.03&t=TzkRFu9QvDCzNFl0-1&scaling=scale-down-width&starting-point-node-id=1907%3A39104&mode=design"}
```

---

## **In depth details**

### **Introduction**

Conversations was a product designed to help users take ownership of their performance development. As the principal product designer on this project, I was responsible for ensuring that the product met the needs of users and aligned with the vision of stakeholders.

### **Objective**

The primary goal of Conversations was to offer a new way for users to own their performance development. The product aimed to help managers better help employees grow by providing a culture of feedback that users could utilise more continuously. As a leader in recognition software, we saw an opportunity to capitalise on the importance of feedback.

### **Challenges**

The main challenge we faced was time. We had a hard deadline, and we needed to work quickly and efficiently to ensure that we met our goals. Additionally, we had to overcome a mindset change in organisations that were tied to the older way of doing performance development. Many companies saw it as a checkbox exercise.

### **Approach**

We used Agile product development and design thinking methodologies to ensure that we were solving a genuine problem for users. We overcame challenges by collaborating, keeping work small and iterative, and by working closely with stakeholders.

### **Results**

The launch of Conversations was a success, with several internationally recognised companies signing up within the first three months. We achieved our goal of onboarding 250,000 users in the first three months, and we won an award for UX Achievement in Productivity & Utilities from UX Awards Ireland.

### **Learnings**

I learned that assumptions should always be challenged. I learned that collaborative working is better than working in siloes, and that a clear vision for what the product will become is also important. In the future, I will look to get help more frequently. Asking for more help and resources is always going to be difficult in an unproven situation but by showing humility and saying that you need help is a powerful weapon.

### **Conclusion**

As the principal product designer on the Conversations launch project, I played a crucial role in driving the product's success. I led the charge in understanding the needs and wants of the users, which in turn helped to align stakeholders and drive the product's vision forward. Additionally, I utilised agile and design thinking methodologies to ensure that the product was solving a genuine problem for users, and collaborated effectively to overcome obstacles and achieve the project's goals. Overall, my work on Conversations was instrumental in the product's success, demonstrating strong leadership, a deep understanding of user needs, and a commitment to collaboration and iteration.

---

### **Selected visuals from Conversations**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2F440e967b-5f2b-4089-9c20-af019c1e5afa.png?alt=media&token=1c3379cf-1e4d-4b2b-9ffe-6e7be0782f5e","id":"440e967b-5f2b-4089-9c20-af019c1e5afa","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Masonary grid for the Conversations dashboard","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2F83e6fcba-0094-4314-92bd-9d809d69776f.png?alt=media&token=8e82db52-2f26-435e-8ab0-d96b7501e09e","id":"83e6fcba-0094-4314-92bd-9d809d69776f","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Career hub in Conversations","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2Fcf2b2702-a292-4882-9d6a-96d63363e7ca.png?alt=media&token=b90f095e-e3e8-46ba-97cf-73814b1729a8","id":"cf2b2702-a292-4882-9d6a-96d63363e7ca","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Insights and analytics page in Conversations","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2Fe9317454-680a-416f-96c0-266099bf24de.png?alt=media&token=1f27e209-8dc6-4b8e-be89-d85f76ef90f6","id":"e9317454-680a-416f-96c0-266099bf24de","width":1440,"height":900,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"The composition interface for Conversations","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FRBg4jzzoVD354zt0Y8wF%2Fcb7e600e-096e-4119-a9e2-7566694258ea.png?alt=media&token=5c90ecbc-1087-4eb8-9fa3-1f12f229ac7b","id":"cb7e600e-096e-4119-a9e2-7566694258ea","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Dark themed dashboard for Conversations","border":false}]}
```

Product launch: Conversations

## I created, launched and ran Design Fest, the largest collaboration project in Workhuman history. This was a company-wide event that looked to harness the creative talent within all Workhuman employees regardless of experience or title, in order to bring a new joyful product idea to life through a mini design sprint over the course of 1 day, as well as highlight the importance of design and outcome driven development. All ideas were judged by the C-Suite executives at Workhuman, with the winner being chosen based on the idea that brought most joy to our users.

```cv
youtube
{"url":"https://youtu.be/4KSCod5xFvs","width":200,"height":113,"thumbnail":"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4KSCod5xFvs/hqdefault.jpg"}
```

### **My role**

* I created the event, brand, and theme, and shared the idea with management to gain their buy-in to achieve a product design team goal.

* Working alongside other key members of the product design team, we elaborated on the brand, event theme, and created a process for success by establishing a sub-team that reported to me.

* I designed a design thinking workshop in collaboration with other principal designers and conducted multiple trial runs to ensure that the event would run smoothly without any issues.

* I worked with product design management to identify suitable colleagues who would facilitate the workshops for multiple teams and trained them on how to do so.

* During the event, I facilitated a design fest team myself while also managing Slack and email communications for the company.

* I collaborated with a 3rd party event planning team to deliver fun aspects of the event such as live music, games, printed materials, videographers, photographers, and food.

* Continuously reviewed progress and outcomes with management to ensure we were achieving the goals we set out at the beginning, or that they had been met.

### **Key activities I led**

* Coordination: I worked with members of the product design team, events, and facilities to ensure the smooth running of all the activities on the day, such as the workshops, live music, and food, across four countries and online.

* Facilitation: I facilitated a participant team during the event and created the workshop format to be followed by 12 other teams led by other Workhuman designers.

* Management: I took complete ownership of the project, proposed the idea, gained managerial buy-in, secured funding, and executed the plan.

* Resourcing: I successfully lobbied and trained a team of facilitators and hosts from internal employees to work at the event.

* Delegation: I created detailed plans for others to follow for the event, created sub-teams that reported progress to me daily, and ensured planning and execution of the event across multiple countries and online.

* Feedback: I ensured that all participants were satisfied with their participation in the event through post-event surveys, interviews, and polls.

### **Skills utilised**

* Creativity and Innovation

* Strategic thinking and planning

* Collaboration and teamwork

* Leadership and management

* Communication and interpersonal skills

* Event planning and coordination

* Workshop design and facilitation

* Project management

* Resource management and delegation

* Problem-solving and decision-making

* Attention to detail and organisational skills

* Customer service and satisfaction.

### **Key outputs and outcomes**

* 13 teams across 4 locations with over 150 people participating.

* 13 fantastic ideas created, with the winner implemented in product.

* Increased awareness of design thinking principles.

* Elevated the status of the design team and their work.

* Conversations team were able to begin a new process of outcome driven development after the completion of this event.

* Created a great story for potential new hires.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F8a99ffe3-f621-470e-bc7e-f97961859f96.jpg?alt=media&token=5b550ea6-85f6-4b08-a983-def569497bf5","id":"8a99ffe3-f621-470e-bc7e-f97961859f96","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"IMG_0499.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F33ad1521-c05c-4de3-9cbb-90061a4d2bb4.jpg?alt=media&token=a43eae5b-ae5d-4903-90e3-f648c654c3c3","id":"33ad1521-c05c-4de3-9cbb-90061a4d2bb4","width":2268,"height":4032,"filename":"IMG_0994.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F8df3ae68-05fc-4468-8d0d-c330b61fa3bf.jpg?alt=media&token=c479ac50-aca7-4655-84d6-341a2a1716b5","id":"8df3ae68-05fc-4468-8d0d-c330b61fa3bf","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"IMG_1013.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F78543ea3-e62b-492a-9774-1907866cb120.jpg?alt=media&token=d3354d76-bc43-41e6-b166-0b7fcbd74284","id":"78543ea3-e62b-492a-9774-1907866cb120","width":2268,"height":4032,"filename":"IMG_1020 (1).jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2Fc81a11c2-5f9b-496f-b914-86ebc3d47843.jpg?alt=media&token=64fa2f95-6286-4725-b461-42476fe319d3","id":"c81a11c2-5f9b-496f-b914-86ebc3d47843","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"IMG_5498.jpeg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F9a3981f7-7829-4124-a7a2-77a29ca41f84.jpg?alt=media&token=38332769-043f-474d-9935-e518b13aa385","id":"9a3981f7-7829-4124-a7a2-77a29ca41f84","width":3024,"height":4032,"filename":"IMG_6643.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F3b8f33d0-797b-4187-a9a7-da2ece3441e5.jpg?alt=media&token=08f9f73e-d065-4c38-a1cb-1e13ec56ee9c","id":"3b8f33d0-797b-4187-a9a7-da2ece3441e5","width":4032,"height":3024,"filename":"IMG_9303.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

---

## **In depth details**

### **Introduction**

In February 2020, just prior to the pandemic, a colleague and I were able to create a company-wide, design-led event called Usability Day. The event aimed to highlight the need to put accessibility and usability at the heart of our company's operations to achieve the company's vision of making work more human. The event was a massive success, with hundreds of employees participating in fun accessibility and usability-themed activities. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we were unable to run the event again in subsequent years.

### **Objective**

I had the opportunity to pitch a slightly altered event to senior design management that would assist the product design team in achieving their goal of highlighting a design thinking approach to work, and why an outcome-based approach to product development was better than what we were currently doing as a company. The event would be a festival-style design thinking workshop where teams would collaborate on an innovative idea to spark more joy into one of Workhuman's products.

### **Challenges**

Getting buy-in was the easy part. Getting budget and time required some more presentations and persuasion, but eventually, I got the go-ahead. The scale of the event was also a major challenge and not something I could handle by myself. However, I managed to create appropriate documentation and lobby the right people to ensure the event was properly staffed. We always stayed focused on the goal of the event, namely, the promotion of the design team and how they work.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F35f1e07d-db16-48d4-9688-7dc20428de73.png?alt=media&token=334cc3c1-b08e-4ca3-9b73-4e1da5ee5ca8","id":"35f1e07d-db16-48d4-9688-7dc20428de73","width":1315,"height":628,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Creation of print material such as the information booklet was a challenge","border":false}]}
```

### **Approach**

After the plan for the event was agreed, I formed sub-teams responsible for different aspects of the event, such as branding, event planning, catering, etc. Alongside another principal product designer, I worked on the most critical aspect of the event - the workshop and the outcomes that the teams would achieve. The sub-teams reported to me daily, and I liaised with a third-party planning company for budget-heavy requirements such as food, photography, etc.

As the event was to be held in four different locations and online, I had to pick the people who would be present in other offices to facilitate the workshop. Planning and timing became complex yet critical due to multiple locations.

The workshop was designed to enable teams to create a product feature that would add joy to our suite of products. The teams would go through the activities designed by me, and at the end of the workshop, they would have a product output that could be presented to judges. The winning team would be the one that added the most joy to our suite.

Overall, my role in the event was to ensure that everything ran smoothly, and all teams were coordinated effectively. Through my leadership, we were able to deliver a successful event that was enjoyed by everyone.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F9c855664-be67-4308-ac34-00f292cc3758.png?alt=media&token=a33a5efa-127f-439a-87dd-ba78680fc84a","id":"9c855664-be67-4308-ac34-00f292cc3758","width":1810,"height":335,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Example of the bilocation timeline","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F63f2d39f-2254-4a10-b0d8-c463e7937f9c.png?alt=media&token=e1db8c22-5aa5-4b56-8b86-1e17880450e6","id":"63f2d39f-2254-4a10-b0d8-c463e7937f9c","width":2135,"height":468,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Part 1 of the workshop that I created to help individual teams achieve an outcome","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2Fb1c178bd-7a06-44cc-8bc6-e1ab47cee546.png?alt=media&token=d484d8da-ca2f-48ba-a70d-325f278e9fc4","id":"b1c178bd-7a06-44cc-8bc6-e1ab47cee546","width":2071,"height":482,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Part 1 of the workshop that I created to help individual teams achieve an outcome","border":false}]}
```

### **Results**

Over the course of the event, I was able to ensure everything that we had planned ran as smoothly as predicted. The workshop ran flawlessly thanks to the easy to follow facilitation guide I created. The participating teams all created some fantastic ideas that really did add joy to our products. Importantly too we were able to highlight the work that designers do on a day to day basis, as well as bring an outcome driven approach to product development to the entire company. Design Fest was received fantastically by senior management, by executives and all those that participated. Even on a small budget, the event generated a buzz in the company. I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to create this event and help the design team further their aims. Lastly, as a result of Design Fest, my team (the Conversations team) was able to instil an outcome-driven approach to product development because of the awareness raised by our workshops and event.

### **Learnings**

* Involve a wider range of stakeholders, including representatives from different departments, functions, and levels, in the planning and execution of the event. Doing this alone with sub-teams from the product design team meant we had some group think at certain stages

* Allocate sufficient resources, including time, budget, and personnel, to each aspect of the event, and prioritise them based on their importance, impact, and feasibility. Monitor and control the budget and schedule regularly to avoid overspending which happened on a small scale.

* Communicate effectively and regularly with all stakeholders, providing them with clear and concise information about the event's purpose, format, agenda, and expectations. Use different channels and formats, such as emails, newsletters, posters, videos, or social media, to reach different audiences and engage them.

* Evaluate the event's success and identify areas for improvement and innovation. Collect feedback from participants, organisers, sponsors, and other stakeholders, and analyze it in a systematic and objective way. Use the insights gained from the evaluation to enhance the design, delivery, and impact of future events.

### **Conclusion**

Overall the event was a massive success, with people from all areas of Workhuman participating and seeing the work we do first hand. I learned a whole new set of skills in facilitating this event that are more a kin to event management, however there are a number of applicable skills that are relevant to my role as principal product designer. I can alway be a better manager, and delegating and entrusting people with more responsibility would have made the event a lot less stressful for me, despite how positively it was received. As a company, we were able to add some more joy to our products and help people see the humanity in the work we do.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fey2lkUGTEzeWgbXZcQWD%2F5d881cef-1e66-45b1-97f0-2448c3eda6e8.gif?alt=media&token=b3103f36-dfeb-418d-bf19-09aec876a4ed","id":"5d881cef-1e66-45b1-97f0-2448c3eda6e8","width":538,"height":303,"filename":"ezgif-3-ee0e5fa0e9.gif","type":"image/gif","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Event launch: Design Fest

## Workhuman, and the Conversations team specifically understand the punctuated performance review is still needed by many, but that it is fundamentally broken. Using configurable workflows, powered by continuous Check-ins, Feedback and Priorities clients can fuel their employees future performance by taking a moment to pause, reflect and plot the best path forward. By revolutionising the end of year performance review, we could unlock sales, improve performance and drive revenue for all parties involved.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F0fa7af9b-d232-403a-a7e4-61232bc4ab94.png?alt=media&token=1082b129-aea1-44ea-ba1a-cc8537e011ee","id":"0fa7af9b-d232-403a-a7e4-61232bc4ab94","width":3138,"height":2008,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"The reflections dashboard allows managers to take an action on a reports recent content","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My role**

* Understand extremely complex user needs and business desires in large corporate customers workforce and created functional requirements.

* Co-led discovery research into jobs to be done, and led client workshops to gather all requirements before work commenced.

* Defined feature functionality and execute roadmap with designers and engineers in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

* Planned sprints, wrote user stories and reestablished agile working methodologies on new teams with integrated design QA steps.

* Developed complex prototypes to get client and internal buy-in on proposed solution.

* Created a sub-design system component library for developers to speed-up the delivery of the solution.

* Defined user, business and engineering metrics to track how internal teams velocity as well as how the solutions was performing post release.

* Build relationships with key customers through effective communication and feedback loops for higher engagement and retention rates.

* Worked hand-in-hand with CSM, LSM and marketing to ensure clients onboarded, smooth roll-out and successful launch of solution.

* Provided design expertise to junior members of the team, and provided mentorship to others as the project progressed.

### **Key activities I led**

* Held numerous all-hands to promote a team-led approach after unsuccessful top-down approach. This influenced stakeholders to give space and scope for team autonomy and bottom-up design / development.

* Conducted wide-scale primary research to understand complex functional requirements including working hands-on with our in-house product research team to investigate Jobs to be done, user flows, IA and competitor analysis.

* Used user experience workshops and facilitation skills as a sales technique to get client buy-in and ensure successful launch and roll-out of solution.

* Worked and led agile and design thinking methodologies to iterate on product solution, create stories and execute on features before analysing defined success metrics to ensure the correct direction of travel.

* Worked with junior designers and direct reports and oversaw creation of sub-design system component library, marketing and launch materials.

### **Design Process**

The  design process for Conversations involved identifying challenges with traditional end-of-year reviews, conducting client workshops to refine stakeholder visions, and leading an iterative design thinking process. High-fidelity prototypes were shared for feedback, and collaboration with engineering, customer success, marketing, and sales teams ensured a comprehensive approach. Rigorous testing, including industry best practices and client UAT, preceded a successful launch at Workhuman Live. The redesigned solution, Reflections, drove increased engagement and revenue, and fostered a more collaborative team dynamic within Conversations.

### **Skills utilised**

* Product strategy & vision

* Interaction design

* Prototyping and user testing

* Visual design & Branding

* Mobile design

* Information architecture

* User research and analysis

* Design thinking

* Agile methodology

* Project management

* Communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams

* UX writing and content design

* Data analysis and interpretation

### **Key outputs and outcomes**

* Sales pipeline expanded by 24, with 2 new clients and 5 retentions.
* Over 1 million reflections created to date.
* Product engagement increased 74% month on month.
* Seamless roll-out to all current clients.
* 5% increase in monthly recurring revenue
* View prototype below ***(hover top and click expand)***

```cv
figma
{"url":"https://www.figma.com/proto/jEZYRGojCp4nqK5azzYTMj/%F0%9F%94%A5-Stewy?page-id=1515%3A1890&type=design&node-id=1907-35743&viewport=358%2C313%2C0.03&t=TzkRFu9QvDCzNFl0-1&scaling=scale-down-width&starting-point-node-id=1907%3A35743&mode=design"}
```

---

## **In depth details:**

### **Introduction**

Conversations was a product designed to help users take ownership of their performance development. After a period in the market and listening to our sales teams, many clients were apprehensive about a performance solution that didn't encompass a traditional end-of-year review.

### **Objective**

The primary goal of the project was to introduce a revolutionary new way of doing end of year reviews that would replace the outdated process and unlock new sales. The current Conversations product offering was focused on continuous usage mainly for employees, whereas reflections leveraged this data to help managers focus on the future. Employees and managers could then use this data to build a story of their year and plan for the future.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F3cea2fd6-affc-48d9-aeeb-0cf3cfbf667e.png?alt=media&token=a1fc38df-60f0-4064-8f11-c4822a075a3c","id":"3cea2fd6-affc-48d9-aeeb-0cf3cfbf667e","width":1056,"height":816,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Typical end of year performance review. Checkbox exercise with little value to the employee","border":true}]}
```

### **Challenges**

Initially, a stakeholder vision presented for the project was not user-friendly, extensible, or viable for successful iteration of the feature. After rounds of primary research and client engagement workshops that I led, I brought the team through an iterative design thinking process that resulted in a solution that surpassed our clients expectations.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F981225ed-df51-447c-b9b2-25a356f1b8f7.png?alt=media&token=36f77b89-32ac-4515-8e20-23255cef0b82","id":"981225ed-df51-447c-b9b2-25a356f1b8f7","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"1.png","type":"image/png","caption":"An early view of the stakeholder proposed solution that gained little traction with clients","border":true}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F5bf5cb69-c17f-4507-b48a-24deff900a0b.png?alt=media&token=e8411d22-e8f3-4cd0-814b-21b05be8e7b1","id":"5bf5cb69-c17f-4507-b48a-24deff900a0b","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"Checklist-3.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Output of the workshop that we held with some select clients to visualise their 'ideal' performance review","border":true}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F13150f9f-a852-4b9f-8af4-d49d53c22032.png?alt=media&token=77a4baad-7394-485a-8be7-2e06f6424487","id":"13150f9f-a852-4b9f-8af4-d49d53c22032","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Screengrab of the collaborative between the development team and other stakeholders to map the product experience","border":false}]}
```

### **Approach**

Having understood the requirements, a high-fidelity prototype was shared with all interested parties for feedback. From here, I helped the engineering team scope the features, create user stories, delegate sub-tasks for design and generally prepare the ground work for sprint. In parallel, I was working with CSM, LSM and marketing to perfect the messaging and launch strategies that would accompany the feature launch and roll-out process. This included defining the success metrics and longer term strategy for the feature.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F4d39e239-56ea-4213-9aa3-4f4249d1a0a7.png?alt=media&token=efff5fb8-6d84-4402-8885-83a26be5d50a","id":"4d39e239-56ea-4213-9aa3-4f4249d1a0a7","width":2880,"height":1800,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Sample screen from a prototype that developers would use for implementation","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F6c79be59-2eea-4f95-b987-adf4be8d7e94.png?alt=media&token=e8f5bec5-f465-4672-96a9-f6293278e427","id":"6c79be59-2eea-4f95-b987-adf4be8d7e94","width":4496,"height":1600,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Example of a component that I co-defined with my team to help speed up delivery of the solution","border":true}]}
```

### **Results**

Following the implementation of all functionality, the solution was vigorously tested against industry best practise, extensive usability testing, client UAT as well as accessibility testing from an independent 3rd party. The solution was unveiled at Workhuman Live to much acclaim (see below). Marketing materials updated with a new visual identity and communication strategy resulted in a successful roll-out to current clients and a bolstered sales pipeline.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F139fa1c4-085a-4d00-aec9-40cdd74628b2.png?alt=media&token=91d9a616-6eff-4548-a589-cbfe7b11ef68","id":"139fa1c4-085a-4d00-aec9-40cdd74628b2","width":5760,"height":3600,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Reflection creation screen as seen by the employee","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2Faab9c6f4-1953-42c7-a6b3-45fa3ede9420.png?alt=media&token=176ec8a7-29c0-48d1-adf8-c6b867377e3a","id":"aab9c6f4-1953-42c7-a6b3-45fa3ede9420","width":5760,"height":3600,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Complex table view for detailed information to allow managers take actions quicker","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F94c8c4cb-5ab1-45f8-8b06-ad5effbb3ff1.png?alt=media&token=8d921479-5395-448a-a58e-7feae02c655b","id":"94c8c4cb-5ab1-45f8-8b06-ad5effbb3ff1","width":3840,"height":2160,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Example of new marketing material used to 'sell' the new reflections process","border":true}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FoKrYJQVUXc2bFR8InVK3%2F2f346e2d-d8f3-4624-8372-68bd64931345.png?alt=media&token=44380229-3e83-4b63-966a-7c270ee17864","id":"2f346e2d-d8f3-4624-8372-68bd64931345","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"Checklist.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Our reflections solution being launched to the world At Workhuman Live","border":true}]}
```

### **Learnings**

Over the course of this project it really tested my ability to delegate tasks, work on a much more strategic approach to product development as well as get buy-in from internal stakeholders. As the first version of the stakeholders vision was not successful, the eventual solution had to be exponentially better, which required a lot of empathy, persuasion and guile in order to be successful. Having led many workshops with clients, developers and many others in order to push a sense of collaboration, under my leadership we were able to create a widely successful feature that has resonated with many people.

### **Conclusion**

Reflections launched to much fanfare and has drive much more engagement in the product in general. It has critically driven more revenue for Workhuman with over 1.3 million reflections created leading to increase spend in other areas of the platform. It has also driven business results for our clients who have provided much positive feedback on our solution. The Conversations team is a more collaborative team thanks to the work I done, and my reports are better designers and more experience people thanks to the work we completed on this project.

Feature launch: Reflections

## Terra is the newest version of the design system designed and developed by Workhuman to ensure our products maintain a similar level of consistency, usability and accessibility across a unified design language. I was part of the team that helped to created the first version of the design language, including writing the first usage guidelines of each of the atoms and components we created. This is an ongoing project that requires significant collaboration between 40+ people across various teams in Workhuman.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F2fc6c25c-3051-4f0b-8f92-1abc8d61ef53.png?alt=media&token=d1253323-45f1-44cf-aaaa-fa8f1064c1dd","id":"2fc6c25c-3051-4f0b-8f92-1abc8d61ef53","width":3138,"height":2008,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My Role**

In my role within the Terra Design System, I had a dual focus. Initially, a colleague and I developed the proto-design system, Aurora, alongside our primary responsibilities as product designers. While Aurora garnered significant support for the idea of a design system, it wasn't the ideal candidate for a company-wide system. Consequently, design leaders transitioned Aurora into the Terra Design System. My primary responsibility involved internal advocacy for the new system, drawing on the insights from Aurora's shortcomings. Additionally, I played a crucial role in establishing the foundation for Terra's success, collaborating with the team to define elements such as the color system, grid, and various components.

### **Key Activities I Led**

* Spearheaded design efforts for Terra, Workhuman's Design System.

* Coordinated collaboration among a cross-functional team of designers, engineers, product managers, QA, and accessibility experts.

* Established and maintained a hybrid governance model for Terra.

* Implemented means to enhance collaboration, including community meetings, workshops, and dedicated communication channels.

* Managed design peer review processes and facilitated educational initiatives for the Design System.

### **Skills Utilised**

* Leadership

* Collaboration

* Governance

* Design System Management

* Workshop Facilitation

* Communication

### **Key Outputs and Outcomes**

* Successful implementation of Terra design system

* Enhanced collaboration and consistency across teams

* Exponential increase in Terra adoption and contributions

* Improved development efficiency and engagement

---

## Key visuals

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2Fd0b9bc75-453e-482e-8ed6-d01edd917697.png?alt=media&token=c6c87c41-5eaa-45a0-a607-4358336f8a27","id":"d0b9bc75-453e-482e-8ed6-d01edd917697","width":1392,"height":784,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Analysis of similar design systems","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F1b2f3e41-da24-4540-8c42-7d5a18d76fff.png?alt=media&token=451883f6-05d9-439d-b8ab-d01d4afa2699","id":"1b2f3e41-da24-4540-8c42-7d5a18d76fff","width":2518,"height":1588,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Audit of current platform","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F0412a6e5-b354-4e0b-a9be-c07b6272c797.png?alt=media&token=c4571f52-054c-42da-ad24-da2be6f0e598","id":"0412a6e5-b354-4e0b-a9be-c07b6272c797","width":1699,"height":734,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Exploration of styles that match our desired outcome","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F8b719b4c-17f6-4544-91e8-c86a1e103895.png?alt=media&token=dad3af03-b7f4-4252-bd10-e23f665ef92a","id":"8b719b4c-17f6-4544-91e8-c86a1e103895","width":1574,"height":2540,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Exploration of colour","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F1ea8aa1d-d7e6-436c-804b-5812b231ba78.png?alt=media&token=a774f3b0-ddc8-40f1-8be8-57f33c245713","id":"1ea8aa1d-d7e6-436c-804b-5812b231ba78","width":2840,"height":1408,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Component exploration","border":false}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F421c8085-423f-46b4-8275-80d77ef09eed.png?alt=media&token=13046e1e-8cd4-4d9d-a499-a894e42683a5","id":"421c8085-423f-46b4-8275-80d77ef09eed","width":2842,"height":1407,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Component exploration","border":false}]}
```

### **Alpha version of the Terra design system**

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2Ff4b23fb5-c75f-49b1-a17d-77e2ee488a66.png?alt=media&token=3fa5ea81-fced-4cd9-8afd-33430b636f84","id":"f4b23fb5-c75f-49b1-a17d-77e2ee488a66","width":830,"height":419,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F4a084515-7c2f-403e-9e9b-806bd28547f3.png?alt=media&token=c0ab8617-2549-4584-92b8-5122731cd431","id":"4a084515-7c2f-403e-9e9b-806bd28547f3","width":1113,"height":318,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2Fd1ca1a01-e84c-45ad-b12f-85d06f406c24.png?alt=media&token=c4f0d235-ecb8-4611-8ca5-f88d42e87787","id":"d1ca1a01-e84c-45ad-b12f-85d06f406c24","width":1245,"height":312,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F98093792-4c54-4480-a95f-e7f80a5a6c69.png?alt=media&token=ae3a87eb-2f99-4f08-82f4-461c8b085728","id":"98093792-4c54-4480-a95f-e7f80a5a6c69","width":1008,"height":472,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2F3516330b-3ae4-489c-b04b-c915cf09ce6a.png?alt=media&token=fa25c313-f41c-44f3-8d60-c8dda49ffe1c","id":"3516330b-3ae4-489c-b04b-c915cf09ce6a","width":1445,"height":502,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false},{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2Fr6vNlwMMKxhWdyxxDFrU%2Fae5dadb0-dc34-467d-9690-acb90959c70b.png?alt=media&token=1b72e4e0-113a-4b30-bc2f-59b403192050","id":"ae5dadb0-dc34-467d-9690-acb90959c70b","width":868,"height":480,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Product launch: Terra DS

## The Conversations product has had over 1 million people create over 6.3 million pieces of content in 4 short years, with a client list that includes global technology firms using the product as their main performance development tool. Despite the success of Conversations, market research as well as business imperatives and a competitive landscape meant that we had to shift into a new mode in order to continue the growth of the product. Therefore, with my leadership and facilitation skills, I took the lead on helping the team to define 3 main areas: Product vision & strategy, a product development structure that we called Sprint Blocks, and an outcome based roadmap.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2Fbde620a6-c33a-45e2-b950-df6a07932aec.png?alt=media&token=2e7c5fb6-0461-447b-b80b-6b8c67a012d1","id":"bde620a6-c33a-45e2-b950-df6a07932aec","width":3138,"height":2008,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

---

### **My role**

* As a senior member of the Conversations team, I took the lead on establishing the need to define our vision and strategy, and therefore became a single point of focus for the process.

* Extensive market, landscape and trends research to help inform executive stakeholders about our current position and future growth areas.

* Designed and facilitated multiple complex workshops to give voice to all interested parties on Conversations in relation to our vision and strategy.

* Exhaustive data analysis, affinity mapping and blending of multiple sources of data to ensure those on the team were educated as much as possible before making informed decisions.

* Collaborated with all interested stakeholders, removed blockers and critically found creative space in which a design thinking, outcome based approach was facilitated by the business.

* Worked with other areas of the business such as engineering, product management and executives to get buy-in for the outcomes of this work.

* Worked with marketing, branding among others to socialise the outcomes and outputs of these workshops to drive greater business alignment.

* When outputs where defined, I went on a listening tour to share the vision for the product, and educate others on this new way of working.

### **Key activities I led**

1. Design thinking: I was able to leverage design thinking methodolgies to help get a better understand the problem we faced on the team, as well as propose a process for solving it.

2. Leadership: I was able to lead the design team through a trying time and support the development team in re-establishing a sense of worth and identity.

3. Empathy: I was able to build and maintain relationships with executives, product managers, and developers, emphasising the importance of achieving a more human and empathetic approach to product design.

4. Adaptability: I was able to adapt to changes in the development lifecycle, from the traditional development cycle to a more executive and stakeholder-driven process.

5. Persuasion: Using my skills and leadership, I was successfully able to carve out time in our busy calendars to go through this important process.

6. Macro-awareness: I was able to leverage my experience and skills to understand the context in which we were operating as a team, a company and an industry to begin a process of business change.

7. Growth: By providing a framework for how and why we worked on the Conversations team, I was able to give clarity for career direction to juniors on my team.

### **Design Process**

In leading the transformation of the Conversations product, I followed a rather traditional product design process of discover, define, develop and deliver. Starting with extensive market research and collaborative workshops, I facilitated a design-thinking approach to define the product vision, strategy, and a unique Sprint Blocks development structure. Leveraging empathy, collaboration, and adaptability, I engaged stakeholders across the company, addressing challenges and ensuring alignment. The outcome was a clear, crowdsourced roadmap reflecting user-centric outcomes. The process fostered team unity, re-establishing identity and purpose, exemplifying a successful application of design leadership in a complex organisational context.

### **Skills utilised**

* Empathy

* Collaboration

* Facilitation

* Leadership

* Growth mindset

* Product management

* Design thinking

* Agile methodology

* Communication

### **Key outputs and outcomes:**

* Product vision, strategy and team structure that is reflective of company goals and objectives

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2Fc6454e80-793c-4987-bd36-29ec14d43b02.jpg?alt=media&token=f5709139-7872-4be7-8b5f-d6d16c04159e","id":"c6454e80-793c-4987-bd36-29ec14d43b02","width":1886,"height":2120,"filename":"Conversations Vision - Core vision.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"The final output of our work to define the vision for the Conversations product. Note how the vision trickles down through to team structure based on product goals","border":false}]}
```

* Sprint blocks product development process.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2F7dc0a90d-2ef3-42f5-bc58-fd019cd96926.jpg?alt=media&token=284eb0e2-473d-4963-a3e8-e0017d3b73a0","id":"7dc0a90d-2ef3-42f5-bc58-fd019cd96926","width":2793,"height":1431,"filename":"6 Conversations Vision - Sprint blocks.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Sprint blocks combines agile sprints and an outcome driven, time based approach to product development","border":false}]}
```

* An outcome drive product roadmap

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2F2b94744c-831f-49b2-b2e5-97d4242a4eac.jpg?alt=media&token=7c49e862-b3f8-476b-8a14-18339223116a","id":"2b94744c-831f-49b2-b2e5-97d4242a4eac","width":3420,"height":1169,"filename":"Conversations Vision - Outcomes.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"An example of the crowdsourced outcomes we believe we should tackle as a team","border":false}]}
```

---

## **In depth details**

### **Introduction**

After an unexpectedly extended period of doing spec work for a large client, the Conversations team members began to feel a loss of identity and lack of clarity on the future of the product. Couple this with a shifting macro environment as well as shifting business objectives, there existed an opportunity to rethink the future of the Conversations product, why we existed as a team, as well as how we worked.

### **Objective**

Given this opportunity, we soon understood that as a team we had a new goal. Define the vision and strategy for the Conversations product that would help unlock growth, generate revenue and increase team happiness.

### **Challenges**

But rather than simply achieve these objectives though direct talks with our executive team, I saw an opportunity to take a design led approach. The biggst challenge with taking this approach was building trust, getting enough time in our busy schedules to hold the workshops and convincing others that this was the best way forward. I had to use my experience and collaboration skills to help our leaders see that first, there existed a problem and second that we should follow the approach I was advocating. Thankfully, after a long listening tour and taking as much feedback onboard as possible, we were able to overcome this first hurdle and got leadership buy-in.

### **Approach**

With our executive team bought-in to a design-led approach, I began to craft the series of workshops that would help us to achieve 3 key outcomes.

1. Product vision and strategy

2. Product development structure

3. Outcome defined roadmap

I used various sources of inspiration and collaboration, including the help of other designers on the team to create a multi-day workshop that included exercises such as the poster exercise, problem statement generation, crazy-eights, etc to document the things that we needed.

This was very much a team collaboration where I facilitated and done the data analysis / affinity mapping in preparation for the next workshop. Executives we included in many of the workshops to ensure their voice was part of the process and that this design-led approach didn't feel alien to them

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2F5167c8db-2105-4814-bf42-ed0309209afe.png?alt=media&token=e44e7944-424b-4cd2-a98b-21bd47ae6f85","id":"5167c8db-2105-4814-bf42-ed0309209afe","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"Checklist-1.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Poster exercise workshop the conversations team participated in that helps team members articulate where they see the product in 5 years time","border":true}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2Fa511af72-4a5b-41f5-a4bc-677b504cce96.png?alt=media&token=f9b9674b-b24d-49e7-bc18-2342accbee52","id":"a511af72-4a5b-41f5-a4bc-677b504cce96","width":1920,"height":1200,"filename":"Checklist-2.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Quick value statement generator workshop to help the team put some meat on why the exist","border":true}]}
```

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2F5cf441ca-99a3-459c-93d4-2019a10bb803.png?alt=media&token=d45ba0c7-47fa-498f-8c4c-b3f329aedf04","id":"5cf441ca-99a3-459c-93d4-2019a10bb803","width":4735,"height":844,"filename":"image.png","type":"image/png","caption":"Overview of the multi-day works we held in order to translate the new vision and strategy into tangible outcomes for our users","border":false}]}
```

### **Results**

After this series of workshops had been complete, I began to analyse all of the data that I had. I created a series of outputs that could be shared with everyone on the team which would become living documents. Below are the outputs themselves

**1 - Product vision and strategy:**\
This document outlined why the team existed, how the mission of the team fit into that of the company, how we would achieve company goals as well as a rational as to the internal team structure. This got immediate buy-in from the team as they had much more clarity on their work, the future and why they work.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2FdIBOG4XHgShdbrSTQrelEl8zXtE3%2FtNZm91TlsT5qJg9KznyU%2Fc6454e80-793c-4987-bd36-29ec14d43b02.jpg?alt=media&token=f5709139-7872-4be7-8b5f-d6d16c04159e","id":"c6454e80-793c-4987-bd36-29ec14d43b02","width":1886,"height":2120,"filename":"Conversations Vision - Core vision.jpg","type":"image/jpeg","caption":"Product strategy and vision with its relationship to goals and structure","border":false}]}
```

**2 - Product development structure:**\
As the team had been working on spec for in the previous months, they felt that it was extremely important that we created a new product development structure that worked for us and that was outcome based. Furthermore, senior leadership needed clarity on how these outcomes would be achieved and that chasing an outcome wouldn't become a time-sink. Therefore, Sprint Blocks as we called it combined the speed and iterative nature of Agile, the outcome led approach of designing as well as time box to give our leaders certainty. Coupled with this process, we created a set of education materials that we would share with other that helps explain how we work, and how it would operate.

```cv
gallery
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```

**3 - Outcome defined roadmap:**\
If creating a vision and strategy was important, as well as creating a process of how we would work, then so to were the things that the team would be working on. Previously, the team would be given a problem with a partially defined solution to explore and implement from senior management, but that as changed thanks to my ability to shift us away from outputs and focus on outcomes. I facilitated separate sessions with executives to document the outcomes they would like to achieve in the coming year, and documented those into tangible outcomes that would then be parsed to a business model canvas the team could iterative up.

```cv
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```

**Learnings**

When this process was complete, there were a lot of things that I knew I could have done differently but in general the process was successful. The team regained their identity and reason for existing. Executive leaders were happy as their voices were heard in the process. I used every piece of my experience to first get space for the team to do this, but also to bring people along on the journey with us. As this was much more focused on product management, I had to be careful not to be seen as infringing on the work of others. In retrospect, I would have included product management more in the process at the beginning.

### **Conclusion**

This was a massive undertaking, but one that I'm grateful to have done. The goal was to define a vision and strategy, but in reality the goal was to create team unity. We definitely achieved this as the rollout process for these outcomes has been smooth and without issue. Of course there is always room for improvement but feedback is being sought at every stage. A real indicator of the success of this process is if other teams would do the same? Thankfully, I have been working with 2 other teams in Workhuman to run the same thing with them which is a real mark of success.

Vision and strategy: Conversations

Product designer

The importance of Accessibility in Design

Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2022

HR Product of the Year

Innovation Bronze

UX Achievement in Productivity & Utilities

Generative AI for Business Leaders

Salesforce Certified AI Associate

UX Certification

Design Leadership

Designing Strategy

New manager training in Essential Skills

Design Thinking in 3 steps

Emotional Intelligence: Key Determiner of Success

Generative AI proof of concept for GPS Insight

GenAI Proof of Concept

Field Insights

Founding designer and shareholder at Glofox. Created and designed the first public release of the software that would go on to be valued at $150m+, grow to over 30 clients in 80 countries and achieve rapid market success. Worked with founders to create a brand story, mobile application, admin app and business strategy that secured the businesses future.

Company Launch

Slalom are constantly looking for ways to help clients unlock ways to grow their business. The two week project looked to leverage Generative AI to enhance the product offering and overcome some key user pain-points through innovative solutions

Sitecore GenAI project

Webheart

Co-created and launched Moodtracker, Workhuman's first free SME employee pulse survey tool that makes it fast and easy to get the heart of organizational issues so users could build a culture of transparency and trust. I was a critical bridge between keeping the product feature-set inline with business objectives and user goals, all the while working to a tight deadline.

Moodtracker

Co-created, launched and designed the future vision for Workhuman's first performance management application which enabled users to own their career through continuous engagement in feedback, check-ins and priorities all in an award winning user interface and product experience

Conversations

As part of shifting design further left, I undertook a comprehensive review of the mobile suite of a leading Irish bank. I undertook a complete review of their mobile offering, conducted extensive discovery research and led my team to redesign their iOS mobile application based on user feedback. This task, completed in 1 week, seeked to unlock sales potential and entice the prospect.

BankX

Created and successfully delivered Design Fest, a company-wide in-person design event that looked to harness the creative talent within all Workhuman employees to bring a new joyful ideas to life through design workshops and hands-on experiences.

Design Fest

Pioneered and created a revolutionary enterprise solution in our Conversations product for the end-of-year performance process for medium-to-enterprise clients that would reframe an outdated checkbox process with a more continuous, future-focused experience that put the employee at the centre of their own career journey

Reflections

Co-created Workhuman's new design system. From initial visual styles, to complex usage guidelines and a component library developed and deployed across all Workhuman. I created the initial design styles and blueprints that are now maintained by a team of 30+

Terra Design System

As part of the Slalom team, I lead the user experience design and implementation for the development of a near term AI chat feature, as well as a long term review and modernisation of the client's current application. I created the roadmap of AI enablement and usability improvements

ProductX

Led a team of engineers, designers, directors and VPs to help shape the future of the Conversations product and how we work as a team after a number of years in the market achieving relative success. Defining a vision through collaboration has set the product up for greater revenue and growth in the years to come

Conversations Vision

As part of the Slalom team working with the global companies WPP, VML and AWS, I lead the design and experience team to create, design and launch a new tool that help users reduced their carbon footprint by deleting old emails. This incredibly innovative project demanded focusing on collaboration and innovation in order to drive impact.

Vanishing Emails

This talk explored how Slalom can provide customers with compelling human experiences aligned with the AWS 'working backwards' approach to accelerate buying decisions and bring their vision to life.

Stewy McCarthy

2024

2023

2015