A web app for streamlined data transfer and implementation after a business acquisition
Summary
Our implementation staff and customers were struggling to transfer facilities.
My team created a self service web app that revolutionized the whole process in under a month.
Process
Research → Design UI → Validate with Users → Develop & Ship
Research
After a few conversations with our internal implementation team, it was obvious a new transfer of ownership process was needed. Here is what we learned:
- Our implementation team was relied upon as the go between for the purchase.
- These business deals could take weeks and it was all managed through email.
It was clear that users needed the ability to initiate the transfer process rather than relying on the implementation team.
Proposed User Flow
Instead of many emails back and forth between the buyer, seller, and implementation staff, the users could initiate a transfer through a self service portal.
Low-Fidelity Design
Mockups were created within Balsamiq to indicate the new UI. Essential requirements include: Buyer and Seller info, facilities being purchased, and implementation options.
The flow diagrams and mockups were validated with the implementation team. They were very eager for the new tool to be developed.
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Design UI
This project had a very quick turn around. I worked with the enterprise engineering team who was composed of Senior and Staff Engineers. For this reason, we leveraged our shared component library. The shared component library gave us Interaction patterns to start from.
Design System
At Storable, I was a key member of a cross-functional initiative to merge the gap between our enterprise Figma design system and our developer's react component library. As part of this effort, we implemented StoryBook to act as a place to do QA on developed components.
Use Case: Admin View
The implementation team now has the ability to initiate transfers between buyers and sellers. From these admin views, the team can act as overseers not facilitators.
Use Case: Seller Forms
The seller is provided a unique URL and pin to access the transfer portal. The seller must confirm the buyer and facilities which are being sold.
Use Case: Buyer Forms and Implementation Options
The buyer is provided a unique URL and pin to access the transfer portal.Their process includes validating the selected facilities and confirming their implementation options.
Use Case: Confirm Purchase & Initiate Transfer
Once both the seller and buyer have confirmed each other and the facilities that are part of the sale, the seller is provided a PIN to give the buyer when all the underwriting has occurred.
Upon sale completion, the PIN is entered by the buyer to initiate the transfer process. Their new facilities will be added to their corporate StorEdge or SiteLink account.
New Transfer Process
- Buyer contacts Storable about an upcoming purchase
- Storable Admin selects Buyer/ Seller
- Seller is notified and provided a unique URL and access PIN. They then confirm buyer and selects facilities
- Buyer is notified and provided and unique URL and access PIN. They confirm the facilities and then select their implementation options
Develop and Ship
The various workflows and data transfer process was developed and released. You can view the starting point here.
Design QA
Initial Screens were developed for the admin view. A difference in the selection process is the use of a hyperlink to select the buyer rather than the use of a radio button. In this use case, a radio button for selecting the buyer, then a button for proceeding in the process is the agreed upon interaction pattern.
Live Transfer Initiation Form
The transfer initiation portal is live. The form supports condition logic depending on the product you are transferring from and whether you are a buyer or seller.
Conclusion
This tool came together very quickly and solved a major internal and external need. Lean user research and agile development leads to software that solves real painpoints. There are countless other opportunities for using software to augment otherwise manual processes.
