1. Apple Internal Data Warehouse Redesign
Problem
Apple’s Worldwide Sales and Finance team relied on a legacy data warehouse application for processing retail sales data that had become outdated. Originally designed as a desktop application, it was cumbersome to use and prone to errors. The application also lacked real-time data processing capabilities and couldn’t scale to meet the increasing volume of data from global retail partners.
Design Thinking
I approached this problem by first conducting thorough user research with the key stakeholders, including data analysts, sales managers, and IT support staff. My goal was to understand their pain points and requirements for the new system. I then led a series of design sprints to prototype a modern, web-based interface that prioritized ease of use, real-time data processing, and scalability. My team and I focused on creating a modular design that could easily be adapted to handle various types of data from different retail partners.
Solution/Result
The redesigned web application significantly boosted processing speed by over 50% and reduced user errors by 25%. Its intuitive new interface made data access and analysis much simpler for users. As a result, the project empowered Apple to make faster, data-driven decisions, enhancing retail operations and greatly improving user satisfaction with the new application.
2. eBay Garage Community Platform
Problem
eBay Motors wanted to create a community platform where automotive enthusiasts could share and showcase their vehicles. The challenge was to design a space that was engaging, easy to use, and capable of supporting a large volume of user-generated content.
Design Thinking
My approach began with a deep dive into understanding the motivations and behaviors of automotive enthusiasts. I conducted competitive analysis and user interviews to identify what features would be most valuable to this community. I focused on creating a design that would foster interaction and engagement, such as integrating features that allowed users to easily upload photos, write descriptions, and connect with other enthusiasts. We also prototyped and tested several layout options to ensure the design was intuitive and visually appealing.
Solution/Result
eBay Garage launched to tremendous success, attracting over 270,000 publicly shared vehicles in its first year and quickly became the world’s largest online community for automotive enthusiasts. The platform significantly increased user engagement, driving higher parts and vehicle sales for eBay Motors, allowing it to become eBay’s top-performing vertical resulting in 20% growth YoY for Motors. Despite its success, the site was eventually discontinued due to widespread content violations stemming from inappropriate user uploads. However, much of its core functionality continues today through eBay Motors' "My Garage" feature.
Co-wrote script and art directed eBay Garage Television Ad (created by Sandwich)
3. Cisco Manufacturing Crisis Management Dashboard
Problem
Cisco’s supply chain was vulnerable to disruptions, and there was a need for a tool that could provide real-time visibility into potential issues during manufacturing crises. The existing systems were fragmented and slow, leading to delayed decision-making during critical events.
Design Thinking
I collaborated closely with Cisco’s Supply Chain Risk Management team to map out the requirements for a crisis management dashboard. My focus was on creating a centralized, real-time dashboard that could pull data from various sources and present it in a way that was immediately actionable. I led user-centered design workshops to prototype different interface options, ensuring that the dashboard was intuitive and could be easily used under high-pressure situations.
Solution/Result
The crisis management dashboard reduced decision-making time by 50% during critical supply chain events. By providing real-time data and alerts, the tool enabled Cisco to respond more quickly to disruptions, minimizing potential losses and maintaining operational continuity.
Interface Design
Manufacturing Process Map
4. PowerSchool Student Information System Enhancement
Problem
The PowerSchool Student Information System was facing performance issues, particularly with year-end processing and reporting. The system struggled to handle large volumes of data, leading to delays and inaccuracies in reporting student attendance and grades.
Design Thinking
To address these challenges, I first conducted an analysis of the existing system’s performance bottlenecks. I then focused on developing optimized algorithms for year-end processing and enhancing the data caching mechanisms. My design thinking was rooted in scalability and reliability, ensuring that the system could efficiently handle increasing amounts of data without compromising performance.
Solution/Result
The enhancements I implemented reduced year-end processing time by 35% and improved report generation speeds by 50%. This led to more accurate and timely reporting, which was critical for school districts managing large student populations.
5. Rae Assist - First Free-Form Personal Information Manager
Problem
In the early 1990s, there was a lack of flexible, user-friendly personal information managers (PIMs) that could seamlessly integrate various types of data (contacts, events, tasks, notes, images) on a handheld device. Existing solutions were rigid and didn’t offer the free-form navigation that users needed.
Design Thinking
As the primary architect and developer, I envisioned Rae Assist as a pioneering product that would allow users to manage personal content without the constraints of traditional hierarchical structures. I led a team in designing a free-form interface that allowed users to link any piece of data with any other, creating a highly customizable experience. The development process was iterative, with continuous feedback loops to refine the interface and functionality.
Solution/Result
Rae Assist was launched as the first free-form personal information manager designed specifically for the PenLite, an early tablet computer based on Apple Computer’s Macintosh Duo subnotebook computer, setting a new standard for PIMs. Its innovative design allowed users to organize their information in a way that best suited their needs, leading to widespread adoption and influencing future products in the market.
Interface Design
6. Apple CMS Redesign for Global Content Management
Problem
Apple’s internal content management system (CMS) for publishing product content on www.apple.com was outdated and inefficient, leading to delays and inconsistencies in global content delivery.
Design Thinking
I initiated the redesign process by gathering detailed feedback from Content Managers and Producers to understand their workflow challenges. I then led the design of a new, scalable CMS that incorporated modular components for different types of content, allowing for faster updates and greater consistency across global markets. The design process included multiple rounds of prototyping and user testing to ensure the new system met the needs of all stakeholders.
Solution/Result
The redesigned CMS reduced page load times by 50% (particularly for overseas users) and increased overall content delivery efficiency, enabling Apple to maintain its high standards for global product launches. The system’s modular design also made it easier to adapt to future changes in content strategy.