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Samsung Sports Experience App Design

Samsung Sports Experience App Design

Samsung contracted with me to design the UX for their sports offering on mobile, tablet and television. The project was a multi-screen/multi-device interface that allowed Samsung customers to create sports viewing events amongst friends. User could invite friends to watch the game together (either physically or virtually) and the platform allowed them to chat, place bets, share stats, etc. Our role in this project was conceptualization, UX design, UI Design, Documentation, and Design QA.

Services
Product Design
UX/UI Design
Prototyping

My Role
Strategy
UX Research
UI/UX Design
Visual Design
UX Management

Timeline
18 Months

“Nyquist Design is my favorite Silicon Valley design agency. Owner Ian Nyquist and his team are always in tune with their clients and pleasant to collaborate with. Nyquist Design consistently delivered strategic design services on time, within budget and without compromise.”

Su Akyuz

UX Design Director UXCA, Samsung

The Opportunity

Samsung, renowned for its diverse product offerings including phones, TVs, tablets, and wearables, identified a strategic opportunity to synergize its ecosystem. The vision was clear – to create a cohesive and shared interaction across all Samsung devices, unlocking new dimensions of connectivity and user engagement. Recognizing the potential to elevate its brand standing and offer a unique value proposition, Samsung set its sights on the realm of sports as the catalyst for this transformative initiative.

The significance of this opportunity extended beyond the confines of traditional product offerings. Samsung foresaw the potential to establish itself as a pioneer in shaping the future of multi-device interactions, setting a new industry standard. The convergence of technology and sports held the promise of not just boosting product sales but fostering brand loyalty and creating a unique selling proposition that differentiated Samsung in a crowded market.

The Process

Informed by customer interviews and market research, a meticulous mapping process unfolded, identifying the types of information relevant to each device. Brainstorming sessions focused on creating features that not only promoted social engagement but also maximized the utility of Samsung’s diverse product range. The team immersed themselves in the Samsung customer experience, replicating home sports viewing scenarios. The subsequent feature list, aligned with specific devices, formed the basis for the design phase, incorporating moodboards, wireframes, motion studies, and prototypes. Continuous testing and refinement followed.

Research

  • User demographics
  • Define user goals
  • Stakeholder interviews
  • Customer interviews

Empathize

  • User personas
  • User scenarios
  • User testing
  • Journey map

Create

  • Moodboard
  • Wireframes
  • Visual design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Inform next iteration

The Solution

The resulting design manifested as a true multi-screen experience, enabling users to place friendly bets, seamlessly transition content between devices, and engage in watch parties. From sharing statistics to chatting between friends, the design aimed to enhance the social and interactive aspects of sports consumption within the Samsung ecosystem.

The Results:

Despite the completion of the design phase, the project faced an unexpected challenge as funding was cut just before the development stage. Adaptability became key as projects were re-prioritized, leading to the incorporation of much of this project’s work into an on-screen info display initiative. While the envisioned multi-screen sports experience didn’t materialize, the iterative design process and insights gleaned contributed to Samsung’s broader initiatives in enhancing user interaction and engagement across its product ecosystem.

The incorporation of these insights underscored the resilience of innovation, steering the company toward a future where on-screen interactions became more intuitive, informative, and closely aligned with user expectations. The legacy of this project lives on, contributing to Samsung’s continuous evolution in delivering enhanced user experiences across its diverse product offerings.

PayPal Multi-Currency Animation

PayPal Multi-Currency

PayPal hired us to produce an explainer animation that illustrated the functionality and benefits of their multi-currency website plug-in (which we also designed). Our roles in this animation project were script writing, storyboarding, voiceover recording, music selection, visuals design, and animation.

Related Projects

PayPal Treasury Software UX Design
Interactive

TD Ameritrade Monthly Newsletters

OakNorth Bank Product Design

PayPal Business Cockpit UX/UI

PayPal Business Cockpit UX/UI

PayPal contracted with me to design the user experience and UI for an internal tool that allows PayPal executives to track business-critical KPIs and financials. Our goal was to create a cohesive, real-time dashboard to streamline executive decision-making processes.

Services
Web Design
UX Design
Prototyping

My Role
Strategy
UX Research
UI/UX Design
UX Management

Timeline
12 Months

“Without a doubt, working with Ian is a professional experience. Through the various projects I have worked on with him, his team has always gone above and beyond to produce and deliver outstanding creative work. He put emphasis on punctual delivery, while still being flexible to last minute changes. Plus, he’s fun to work with!”

Laura Ward

Principal, Design & Discovery, PayPal

The Problem

PayPal faced a multifaceted challenge demanding a nuanced solution. The need for an internal tool was critical, stemming from a desire for comprehensive business insights at every echelon of the organization. The executive team, navigating the complexities of strategic initiatives, yearned for real-time Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to bolster decision-making. Simultaneously, managers sought a robust project tracking mechanism, craving visibility into ongoing endeavors. Delving deeper, individual contributors grappled with a lack of clarity regarding task expectations, yearning for a cohesive understanding of their role within the broader organizational context.

This intricate tapestry of challenges underscored the necessity for an internal tool that not only bridged the information gap but seamlessly catered to the diverse needs of leadership, management, and individual contributors. The absence of such a tool created a void in organizational cohesion, hindering effective communication and alignment across all levels. Addressing these multifaceted needs required a meticulous exploration of each stakeholder’s perspective, highlighting the complexity inherent in delivering a solution that would truly transform how PayPal operated internally.

The Process

In collaboration with subject matter experts (SMEs) from various departments, we conducted a thorough analysis to determine the most valuable information and its interrelation across different groups. Researching third-party tools, APIs, and data sources, we aimed to leverage existing resources for enhanced insights. The use of personas, journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes guided us toward the final design that addressed diverse organizational needs.

Research

  • SME Interviews

Empathize

  • User Personas
  • Journey Map

Create

  • Wireframes
  • Visual Design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Design Refinements

The Solution

The culmination of this exhaustive process resulted in a powerful internal website that served as a strategic hub for business insights. Tailored for product managers, it facilitated the alignment of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) with initiatives, enabling the planning of quarterly roadmaps, the meticulous tracking of progress, and more. The platform went beyond mere project tracking; it provided a dynamic visualization of productivity, fostering a holistic understanding of ongoing efforts.

The Results:

This comprehensive internal website brought about a paradigm shift in how PayPal operated internally. The leadership team gained heightened top-level visibility, enabling informed decision-making and accurate forecasting. Managers found a robust tool to set clear expectations and monitor project status in real-time.

For individual contributors, the platform provided a contextual lens, allowing them to see their tasks in relation to the broader organizational picture, fostering a sense of purpose and alignment. The transformative impact rippled across all levels, creating a more cohesive, informed, and agile organizational culture within PayPal.

PayPal Internal Reporting Tool UX Design

PayPal Internal Reporting Tool UX Design

PayPal contracted with me to design the user experience and UI for an internal tool that allows PayPal executives to track business-critical KPIs and financials. Our goal was to create a cohesive, real-time dashboard to streamline executive decision-making processes.

Services
Web Design
UX Design
Prototyping

My Role
Strategy
UX Research
UI/UX Design
UX Management

Timeline
2 Months

“Without a doubt, working with Ian is a professional experience. Through the various projects I have worked on with him, his team has always gone above and beyond to produce and deliver outstanding creative work. He put emphasis on punctual delivery, while still being flexible to last minute changes. Plus, he’s fun to work with!”

Laura Ward

Principal, Design & Discovery, PayPal

The Problem

PayPal executives were facing significant challenges in tracking and analyzing business-critical KPIs and financial data. They had to toggle between a patchwork of multiple third-party tools and custom applications to gather insights about the health of the business. This fragmented approach often resulted in outdated information and inefficiencies, hindering their ability to make informed, real-time decisions.

The lack of a unified platform meant that executives spent more time collating data than analyzing it, leading to delays in strategic planning and operational adjustments. An integrated, real-time solution was essential to provide a clear, comprehensive view of the company’s performance metrics.

The Process

To address these challenges, we began by interviewing key stakeholders and subject matter experts to understand the specific needs and priorities of the executive team. This initial phase allowed us to quickly ramp up and gain clarity on the most critical KPIs and data points required. We created detailed journey maps and user flows to visualize how executives would interact with the tool. Wireframes and visual designs were then developed to outline the structure and aesthetics of the dashboard. Throughout the design process, we conducted usability testing with executives to ensure that the interface was intuitive and met their expectations. This iterative approach allowed us to refine the design based on direct feedback and ensure its alignment with business needs.

Research

  • User Demographics
  • Define User Goals
  • Stakeholder Interviews
  • Customer Interviews

Empathize

  • User Personas
  • User Scenarios
  • User Testing
  • Journey Map

Create

  • Flows
  • Wireframes
  • Visual Design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Design Refinements

The Solution

We designed an internal website that executives could log into and immediately access real-time data visualizations for key performance indicators. This platform provided a centralized, intuitive interface where all critical metrics were displayed in a clear, actionable format. The dashboard included customizable views, allowing executives to tailor the information to their specific needs and preferences. Real-time data integration ensured that the insights were always up-to-date, enabling prompt and informed decision-making. The design emphasized ease of use, with a clean and modern UI that facilitated quick access to essential data without overwhelming the user.

The Results

The implementation of the new internal tool significantly enhanced the agility and confidence of PayPal’s executive leadership. With a centralized platform providing real-time data, executives could make more informed decisions swiftly and accurately. The tool eliminated the inefficiencies associated with using multiple third-party applications,

resulting in streamlined workflows and improved productivity. The ability to access up-to-date insights at any time empowered the leadership team to respond proactively to market changes and operational challenges. Overall, the project delivered a robust solution that transformed PayPal’s approach to business intelligence and strategic planning.

PayPal Treasury Software UX Design

PayPal Treasury Software UX Design

PayPal contracted with me to design the user experience and UI for custom treasury software. I collaborated with Ernst & Young’s accounting team and PayPal product managers to create a comprehensive site that included Cash Flow, True-Ups, Sub-ledger, Reconciliation, and more.

Services
Web Design
Product Design
Prototyping

My Role
Strategy
UX Research
UI/UX Design
UX Management

Timeline
8 Months

“Without a doubt, working with Ian is a professional experience. Through the various projects I have worked on with him, his team has always gone above and beyond to produce and deliver outstanding creative work. He put emphasis on punctual delivery, while still being flexible to last minute changes. Plus, he’s fun to work with!”

Laura Ward

Principal, Design & Discovery, PayPal

The Problem

As one of the world’s most prolific money movers, it’s critical for PayPal to have a clear and detailed understanding of its cash holdings and commitments. Their existing software was unable to meet the advanced needs for monitoring cash flow, bank reconciliation, true-ups, and sub-ledger management. PayPal required unprecedented

visibility and control over their financial data to ensure accurate and efficient management of their vast monetary resources. This necessitated the development of a sophisticated treasury software solution capable of handling complex financial processes and providing real-time insights.

The Process

To tackle this challenge, I conducted interviews with key stakeholders and subject matter experts to fully understand the requirements and priorities of PayPal’s executive and financial teams. This initial phase allowed us to rapidly assimilate the critical aspects of PayPal’s financial operations. I developed detailed journey maps and user flows to capture the interactions and processes involved in treasury management. Wireframes and visual designs were created to prototype potential solutions. The designs were rigorously tested with PayPal’s financial team to ensure they met usability standards and addressed all functional requirements. This iterative process helped in refining the design based on direct feedback and ensure alignment with PayPal’s financial objectives.

Research

  • User Demographics
  • Define User Goals
  • Stakeholder Interviews
  • Customer Interviews

Empathize

  • User Personas
  • User Scenarios
  • User Testing
  • Journey Map

Create

  • Wireframes
  • Visual Design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Design Refinements

The Solution

We collaborated closely with PayPal’s stakeholders and Ernst & Young’s accounting team to develop a sophisticated treasury web application. Our team delved deep into enterprise accounting practices to ensure the software’s functionality matched PayPal’s complex requirements. The resulting application included modules for cash flow management, bank reconciliation, true-ups, and sub-ledger functionality. We leveraged our UX expertise to create an intuitive interface that provided real-time data visualization and streamlined financial workflows. The design emphasized usability, ensuring that PayPal’s financial team could navigate and utilize the software effectively.

The Results

The end result was a state-of-the-art treasury software that not only met PayPal’s extensive needs but also positioned itself as a potential white-label solution for prominent accounting firms and other enterprise businesses. The software provided PayPal with unparalleled visibility into their financial data, enhancing their ability to manage cash holdings and commitments with greater precision and efficiency.

The intuitive UI and robust functionality significantly improved the productivity and decision-making capabilities of PayPal’s financial team. This project demonstrated our ability to deliver complex, enterprise-grade financial solutions that drive business value and operational excellence.

Screen from the PayPal “Super App” that we designed

Screen from the PayPal “Super App” that we designed

Screen from the PayPal “Super App” that we designed

PayPal Multi-Currency UX Design

Multi-Currency Plugin UX Design

PayPal contracted with me to design the user experience and UI for a web editor plugin that would allow merchants to effortlessly accept worldwide currencies in their online stores. Our goal was to create a seamless integration that enhanced both merchant and customer experiences.

Services
Web Design
Product Design
Prototyping

My Role
Strategy
UX Research
UI/UX Design
UX Management

Timeline
3 Months

“Without a doubt, working with Ian is a professional experience. Through the various projects I have worked on with him, his team has always gone above and beyond to produce and deliver outstanding creative work. He put emphasis on punctual delivery, while still being flexible to last minute changes. Plus, he’s fun to work with!”

Laura Ward

Principal, Design & Discovery, PayPal

The Problem

PayPal merchants wanted a way to accept foreign currencies on their websites without redirecting customers to PayPal. This need arose from the desire to maintain a cohesive shopping experience, reduce cart abandonment rates, and streamline the checkout process. Merchants faced the challenge of managing currency conversions,

fluctuating exchange rates, and ensuring transparent pricing for their global customers. Additionally, they needed a solution that could easily integrate with existing e-commerce platforms like Magento, WordPress, and WooCommerce, without requiring extensive technical expertise or significant changes to their existing workflows.

The Process

We began by researching various multi-currency plugins available on popular platforms such as WordPress, WooCommerce, and Magento. This helped us identify common pain points and best practices. We created detailed journey maps and user flows to understand the interactions from both merchant and customer perspectives. Wireframes and visual designs were developed to illustrate potential solutions. Throughout the design process, we conducted usability testing with merchants to gather feedback and refine our approach. This iterative process ensured that our designs met the real-world needs of merchants and provided an intuitive experience for end-users.

Research

  • User Demographics
  • Define User Goals
  • Stakeholder Interviews
  • Customer Interviews

Empathize

  • User Personas
  • User Scenarios
  • User Testing
  • Journey Map

Create

  • Flows
  • Wireframes
  • Visual Design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Design Refinements

The Solution

The design included plugins for Magento and WordPress that offered a comprehensive front-end customer experience and a robust merchant interface. Key features included FX optimization, various styling options, the ability to select specific currencies, and price rounding functionalities. Additionally, I designed a “super app” that allowed users to set their currency and pricing preferences in one place. This app enabled websites, apps, and retail systems to interface with it, providing on-the-fly pricing adjustments for global currencies. The solution was designed to be flexible, user-friendly, and easily integrated into existing systems, ensuring a seamless experience for both merchants and customers.

Motion Graphics

Smooth animated transitions transformed a simple design into something more delightful.

The Results

The result was a comprehensive solution that addressed the multi-currency challenge for websites and created a centralized pricing logic for all merchant points of sale. Merchants reported reduced cart abandonment rates and an increase in international sales. The centralized pricing logic ensured consistency across all sales channels,

simplifying currency management and enhancing the overall shopping experience. The solution not only met the initial requirements but also provided a scalable foundation for future enhancements, ensuring long-term value for PayPal and its merchants.

Vonage Developer Portal Design

Vonage Developer Portal Design

Vonage, once a world-renowned telephony company, lives on today as a top player in the communications API space. In an ongoing cycle of user interviews, and design refinement, I worked with them to redesign their developer website, which was a big success, both internally and externally.

Services
Product Design
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Visual Design
Prototyping

My Role
UI/UX Design
Visual Design
UX Management

Timeline
4 Months

The Problem

In the dynamic landscape of the communications API sector, Vonage encountered a mounting challenge as competitors such as Twilio, Pilvo, and Commio aggressively encroached on their market share. The urgency to maintain a competitive edge became paramount. Vonage had initiated a pivotal developer portal redesign to fortify their position and engage more effectively with their user base. However, this strategic endeavor faced a critical setback as key design leadership departed mid-initiative, leaving a void in the crucial alignment between company leadership and the internal design team.

Recognizing the pivotal need to navigate this intricate terrain, Vonage sought external expertise to serve as a Senior Design Manager. The mission was clear: bridge the gap, guide the internal design team, and ensure the seamless execution of the developer platform redesign. This challenge became a defining moment, requiring a strategic alliance between company leadership, the design team, and myself and the external experts to chart a course that would not only counter competitive threats but also elevate Vonage’s standing in the communications API arena.

The Process

Embracing the role of Senior Design Manager, I embarked on a collaborative journey with Vonage’s internal design team. The process commenced with comprehensive research, delving into user interviews and subject matter expert discussions. These insights laid the foundation for the creation of user personas and journey maps, providing a holistic understanding of the user experience landscape.

Confident in our general approach and direction, we advanced to the design and prototyping phase. Solutions were meticulously crafted, bearing in mind the insights gleaned from research. To validate and enhance the design, four rounds of testing with customers and potential users were conducted. Each testing cycle brought forth valuable feedback, steering the design towards a more refined and user-centric iteration.

Journey Map

Research

  • Competitive research
  • SME interviews
  • User interviews

Empathize

  • User personas
  • Journey map
  • Information architecture

Create

  • Wireframes
  • Visual design
  • Prototype

Test

  • Usability
  • Track usage
  • Design refinements

User Testing Map/Miro board

User Testing Analysis

The Solution

The culmination of this exhaustive process resulted in a powerful developer site, intricately designed and extensively tested to meet the evolving needs of Vonage’s user base. Desktop layout took precedence in the design, aligning with research indicating prevalent desktop usage among developers. The iterative design process, incorporating personas, journey maps, wireframes, and prototypes, was instrumental in shaping the final product.

The Results:

Vonage witnessed a transformative impact, marked by a 23% surge in sign-ups and an 18% increase in first-time account funding. The strategic redesign not only fortified their position in the communications API space but also solidified relationships with developers, positioning Vonage for sustained success in a fiercely competitive landscape.

The case study exemplifies the power of strategic design management in overcoming complex challenges, ensuring the seamless execution of critical initiatives, and driving tangible results in a competitive business landscape.

23% Surge in sign-ups and an 18% increase in first-time account funding