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PORTFOLIO

Enterprise Search Solution

Design Challenge
SNAPsearch is my proposed design concept for an enterprise search tool that searches across multiple sources in an organisation combining cloud based platforms and local server databases to  easily locate related documents, conversations, information, calendar events and even people that match specific search criteria.

Role

Idea Initiator & Lead Designer

Focus

High-level Research and design concept

Client

Consulting project

snapsearch

My UX Design Approach

  • Competitive Analysis

  • Desktop Research

  • High level user flow

  • Wireframes

  • Design Iterations

Confused!

Enterprise search concept 

This concept originated during a moment of sheer frustration while trying to find a written conversation trail, but not remembering which information channel it came through.

In large organisations, trying to locate specific information across multiple platforms can be frustrating.  For example, you remember having a written conversation with a colleague about the solution to a particular issue, but you can’t recall if it was email, Slack, Skype or messenger!

Another scenario could be trying to locate related documents to a specific project when the coordinator is on leave or an employee has left.

Competitive Analysis

I researched around six competitors, capturing details in a spread sheet and identifying features that made sense.

Researching competitors identified similar enterprise search products available, but they looked complex and difficult to use.

Swifttype was the closest match to my proposed solution. Google also has an app that lets you search across all of your apps, but just on your phone.

Competitor analysis
Competitor analysis

High-level architecture

My design outcomes were based on a month of researching, defining & designing concepts.

This system flow describes the high-level architecture and examples of the kind of external and internal systems that would need integration.

Proposed Administration Dashboard

The initial design was based on solving the challenge I had first identified, as well as comparing other competitors in the marketplace.

dashboard

Employee access via a mobile app

Search is the key function. Users can use date, platform, and document type filters.

The tool can be accessed via a mobile app, and also via a desktop.

mobile1
mobile2
mobile3

UI dashboard design – Administrators view

The dashboard below is for the administrator of an organisation.

The interface is designed to allow them to:

– Administer users
– Access platforms
– View analytics
– Manage errors and system alerts
– Manage user notifications

Dashboard design

Conclusion

Although I did not get funding to proceed with this project, it was an interesting exploration into the enterprise search space.
There are definite time efficiencies with a tool like this, and I am surprised it is not used more frequently.