Dell Smart Monitor & Integrated Hub

Dell Smart Monitor & Integrated Hub

Summer 2022

Timeline

UI/UX Designer & Product Owner

Role

About

This case study walks you through the design and development process of a smart monitor and integrated hub during my 3-month summer internship at Dell Technologies. The project focused on enhancing productivity by delving into human interactions and understanding user behavior during work and leisure.

Goals

1

Creating a smart monitor

In the realm of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have emerged as game-changers, particularly in the field of UI/UX design. The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

2

Increasing productivity in ybrid work settings

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges

3

Bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

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

Developing personas and conducting user interviews

A

Consultants, C-suite executives, Management

Creates and executes strategic vision. Moves companies forward developing relationships with external stakeholders and partners.

B

Team leaders, Directors, Project managers, Marketing

Connects teams and ensures collaboration. Enables progress by balancing between collaborations and distraction.

C

Researchers, Engineers, Data scientists, Designers, Developers

Specialises in unique, creative and complex fields. Generated focused work and performs detailed analysis.

D

Procurement, Administrators, Human resource

Driven to produce results and strive for efficiency. Focuses on productivity and accomplishing tasks.

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 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

Extracting data

Through these interviews, 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.

Unearthing more issues

During the interview, it was also key to prompt and ask follow-up questions in order to dig out other deeper issues they may have not mentioned.Limited workspaceSettings always need reconfiguration due to hot-desk environmentNoisy environmentLack of interaction affects teamworkLong duration of work straining the eyesFears of webcam hacking99% don’t want to carry a laptop to work if they don’t have to.

Conclusion

1

Easy Wins

High value + low complexity. 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.

2

Strategic Initiatives

High value + high complexity AI Integration: Leveraged AI and machine learning to optimize user interfaces and provide personalized experiences. New & exciting features with high potential. Increases workflow productivity.

Impact

1

Increased productivity

Users reported improved efficiency due to streamlined setup processes and integrated productivity apps.

2

Enhanced User Experience

Positive feedback highlighted the seamless interaction between the monitor and other devices, reducing the need to carry laptops to work.

2

Higher engagement

Features like seamless call transfer and FLOWS significantly boosted user engagement and workflow productivity.

© Copyright Swapnil Bapat. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright Swapnil Bapat. All Rights Reserved.

Dell Smart Monitor & Integrated Hub

Dell Smart Monitor & Integrated Hub

Summer 2022

Timeline

UI/UX Designer & Product Owner

Role

About

This case study walks you through the design and development process of a smart monitor and integrated hub during my 3-month summer internship at Dell Technologies. The project focused on enhancing productivity by delving into human interactions and understanding user behavior during work and leisure.

Goals

1

Creating a smart monitor

In the realm of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have emerged as game-changers, particularly in the field of UI/UX design. The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

1

Creating a smart monitor

In the realm of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have emerged as game-changers, particularly in the field of UI/UX design. The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

2

Increasing productivity in ybrid work settings

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges

2

Increasing productivity in ybrid work settings

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges

3

Bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

3

Bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces

The integration of these advanced technologies is reshaping how we approach design, offering new possibilities and challenges. This post aims to explore how AI and machine learning are influencing the field of UI/UX, bringing a new dimension to user experiences and interfaces.

The Design Process

1

UX Research

Critique, Existing Products, Out-Of-Box Experience, Features, Interactions

1

UX Research

Critique, Existing Products, Out-Of-Box Experience, Features, Interactions

2

Prototyping

Feature Ideation, Interface Design, Experience Development

2

Prototyping

Feature Ideation, Interface Design, Experience Development

3

User Testing

User Interviews, Exposure, Mood Chart, Needs vs Wants

3

User Testing

User Interviews, Exposure, Mood Chart, Needs vs Wants

4

Refinement

Design Improvements, More features, Refining the UX

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 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

A

Consultants, C-suite executives, Management

Creates and executes strategic vision. Moves companies forward developing relationships with external stakeholders and partners.

A

Consultants, C-suite executives, Management

Creates and executes strategic vision. Moves companies forward developing relationships with external stakeholders and partners.

B

Team leaders, Directors, Project managers, Marketing

Connects teams and ensures collaboration. Enables progress by balancing between collaborations and distraction.

B

Team leaders, Directors, Project managers, Marketing

Connects teams and ensures collaboration. Enables progress by balancing between collaborations and distraction.

C

Researchers, Engineers, Data scientists, Designers, Developers

Specialises in unique, creative and complex fields. Generated focused work and performs detailed analysis.

C

Researchers, Engineers, Data scientists, Designers, Developers

Specialises in unique, creative and complex fields. Generated focused work and performs detailed analysis.

D

Procurement, Administrators, Human resource

Driven to produce results and strive for efficiency. Focuses on productivity and accomplishing tasks.

D

Procurement, Administrators, Human resource

Driven to produce results and strive for efficiency. Focuses on productivity and accomplishing tasks.

Extracting data

Through these interviews, 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.

Unearthing more issues

During the interview, it was also key to prompt and ask follow-up questions in order to dig out other deeper issues they may have not mentioned.Limited workspaceSettings always need reconfiguration due to hot-desk environmentNoisy environmentLack of interaction affects teamworkLong duration of work straining the eyesFears of webcam hacking99% don’t want to carry a laptop to work if they don’t have to.

Conclusion

1

Easy Wins

High value + low complexity. 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.

1

Easy Wins

High value + low complexity. 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.

2

Strategic Initiatives

High value + high complexity AI Integration: Leveraged AI and machine learning to optimize user interfaces and provide personalized experiences. New & exciting features with high potential. Increases workflow productivity.

2

Strategic Initiatives

High value + high complexity AI Integration: Leveraged AI and machine learning to optimize user interfaces and provide personalized experiences. New & exciting features with high potential. Increases workflow productivity.

Impact

1

Increased productivity

Users reported improved efficiency due to streamlined setup processes and integrated productivity apps.

1

Increased productivity

Users reported improved efficiency due to streamlined setup processes and integrated productivity apps.

2

Enhanced User Experience

Positive feedback highlighted the seamless interaction between the monitor and other devices, reducing the need to carry laptops to work.

2

Enhanced User Experience

Positive feedback highlighted the seamless interaction between the monitor and other devices, reducing the need to carry laptops to work.

2

Higher engagement

Features like seamless call transfer and FLOWS significantly boosted user engagement and workflow productivity.

2

Higher engagement

Features like seamless call transfer and FLOWS significantly boosted user engagement and workflow productivity.

© Copyright Swapnil Bapat. All Rights Reserved.

© Copyright Swapnil Bapat. All Rights Reserved.