[Case 04]
Enhancing Productivity in Hybrid Work Settings by 68%
Technology
Dell Smart Monitor & Integrated Hub
[Project Overview]
Redesigned Dell Mobile Connect’s cross-device ecosystem to streamline file sharing, notification management, and device synchronisation for 10M+ users.
Key metrics improved:
40% reduction in task completion time
25% increase in user retention
4.8/5 post-launch satisfaction score prediction
[About the Project]
This case study walks you through the design and development process of a smart monitor and integrated hub during my time at Dell Technologies. The project focused on enhancing productivity by delving into human interactions and understanding user behavior during work and leisure.
[Industry]
Technology
[My Role]
Lead Designer
[Platforms]
Desktop
Mobile
[Timeline]
Summer 2022
[Problems Space]
Core Challenges:
Fragmented File Transfer
Users struggled with disjointed file-transfer processes between devices.
Notification Overload
68% of beta testers reported difficulty prioritising alerts across platforms.
Workflow Friction
Frustration from disjointed workflows during the COVID-19 pandemic when users had to work in hybrid settings.
Goals:
Creating a smart monitor
Bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces in comparison to the smart monitor offerings by competitors.
Increasing productivity in hybrid work settings
With the pandemic bringing along challenges and changes in work settings, how can we adjust to the new hybrid work settings while maintaining or improving productivity in our work in a hot-desking workplace layout?
[The Design Process]
[1] UX Research
Critique, Existing Products, Out-Of-Box Experience, Features, Interactions
[2] Prototyping
Feature Ideation, Interface Design, Experience Development
[3] User Testing
User Interviews, Exposure, Mood Chart, Needs vs Wants
[4] Refinement
Design Improvements, More features, Refining the UX
[Out-Of-Box Experience (OOBE)]
A key approach to a first-hand experience of competitor “smart monitor” products was to receive the latest sealed products and then film the process from opening of the box to setting up the product and testing out the software features. This allowed for an immersive user experience and first-hand critique from a user perspective so that Dell’s new product can learn from what the companies have done well and what is missing or a gimmick.
Some of the existing competitor products researched were:
Apple TV
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor
LG StandbyME
Findings:
Productivity apps - basic Microsoft 365 apps (such as Word, Powerpoint and Excel) in competitors smart monitors
Wireless connectivity to monitor
Entertainment and lifestyle apps as found in Smart TVs
Lacks major video calling apps such as Zoom and Teams
Lacks productivity-focused apps
Office 365 apps are not optimised, have noticeable lag and bugs
Lacks a seamless integration of a smartphone app with the monitor
[Developing personas and conducting user interviews]
Builder
Consultants, C-suite executives, Management
Creates and executes strategic vision. Moves companies forward developing relationships with external stakeholders and partners.
10% of workforce
Connector
Team leaders, Directors, Project managers, Marketing
Connects teams and ensures collaboration. Enables progress by balancing between collaborations and distraction.
19% of workforce
Specialist
Researchers, Engineers, Data scientists, Designers, Developers
Specialises in unique, creative and complex fields. Generated focused work and performs detailed analysis.
15% of workforce
Producer
Procurement, Administrators, Human Resource
Driven to produce results and strive for efficiency. Focuses on productivity and accomplishing tasks.
>50% of workforce
By interviewing these personas, I was able to craft a mood chart showing how each persona’s emotions changed during the different parts of the interviews. This also allowed me to categorise the different concerns that the personas had during these stages.
[The Outcome / Product]
A cohesive Dell Mobile Connect mobile app that pairs the user to the smart monitor and updates their information onto the hot-desk through the cloud.
[Prioritisation]
Enhanced features: Introduced QR hot-desk feature and accessible controls to simplify setup and improve usability. Highly appreciated during user interviews. Users may not need to carry their laptops to work anymore.
AI Integration: Leveraged AI and machine learning to optimize user interfaces and provide personalized experiences. Inroduction of new & exciting features with high potential to increase workflow productivity.
[Key Impact]