IBM Cover

Enhancing the Visual Saliency of Alerts on the IBM SaaS Console

  • ROLE: INNOVATION DESIGNER 🎨
  • DURATION: JUN. 2023 ‑ AUG. 2023 (8 WEEKS) ⏰
  • TOOLS: FIGMA 🛠
  • TEAM: IBM CLIENT ENGINEERING TEAM 🔧

THE PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Error and Warning Alerts of the IBM SaaS Console were Not Clearly Visible to its Users, Causing Confusion.


User Pain Points

  • The ambiguous alert messages can lead to panic as the user wonders when their data will be lost.
IBM Message


  • The "Buy subscription" call-to-action is duplicated which can lead to users not taking action at all.
IBM Duplicated Error Message


  • The second button is misplaced in a separate section, breaking the gestalt principle of proximity.
IBM Call


USER SOLUTION:

We Merged All Alerts in a Separate Section at the Top such that Users Can Quickly Find Recent Alerts.


IBM Recent Event Section


The alert message notifies the user the problem and more information is shown when dropdown is clicked:
IBM Detailed Error Messages


The clear call to action buttons allow for action to be taken quickly:
IBM Clear


MY ROLE:

I Assisted in Designing the Prototype of the Recent Events Section and Popups to Facilitate a Paid Subscription Renewal, a Common Source of Alert.


The popup shows subscription details followed by a call to action button at the bottom:
IBMPopUp


IMPACT

Although Not Public Yet, the Changes Will Improve User Understanding of Errors, Leading to Less User Frustration.


IBM Group Photo

REFLECTION

I Learned that Error Messages Should be Easily and Quickly Accessible, as Errors Can be Detrimental to the Overall User Experience.

Additionally, working in a large team was at first intimidating, however, I quickly adapted through asking questions, getting feedback on my design work through presentations to diverse team members, and forming meaningful connections. I learned that working with other designers, developers, and sales representatives improved my presentation skills, especially explaining design concepts in a way that is understandable for people with no design or technical experience. I will be going back to IBM where I will continue with this project, and take on other projects that continues to combine both my design and engineering skills.
Thank you for reading :)