Process to workflow
I was asked to support an API platform as they were preparing to pivot to be a self-service platform. A key priority was to construct a scalable workflow that would enable internal end users to successfully submit an API and manage it throughout the lifecycle.
Research
Before any workflow could be realized, it is important to understand the current state, and identify gaps that the future vision should address.
Thus we set out to
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Capture the requirements from Project manager
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Set expectations with Product Owner regarding personae, timeline, limitations, and execution
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Work with SMEs (Technical design architect, dev leads, proxies) to define the current ingestion process and understand how it could be better
Analysis
As discussion with SMEs happen, I began to
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Document and structure my understanding of the process so it will be easy to communicate to all
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Begin drafting a user flow to communicate current and future scope and workshop a direction forward with SMEs, PM and PO
Design
Once the user flow made sense and stable, we started the design process
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Generate the initial design of the workflow with wireframe
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Review with fellow UX design team for critical feedback
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Develop high fidelity prototype
To ensure consistency and easy adoption, I leveraged the same design library and ux patterns to ensure synchronicity with other workflows being developed within the organization.
Testing
To validate our design approach, I decided to focus on testing with one specific set of end users, These were application developers, each with different skill set and experience levels. It ranged from senior full-stack, to junior front end, to early career back end developers. The achieved goal was to fill the response pool with deep, thorough, and, hopefully, unexpected feedback.
