Forging a Brand Identity: My Impact as a UI/UX Designer at Saddle Oak Software
Saddle Oak Software is the industry pioneer in cloud technology integration for QuickBooks Online. The flagship product, SOS Inventory, reigns as the number one inventory, order management, and manufacturing add-on out there.
As a UI/UX designer at SOS, I played a pivotal role in not only creating the style guide but also crafting the UX patterns and UI components for the brand. Recognizing the importance of a consistent and intuitive user experience, I focused on developing reusable UX patterns that would streamline interactions and enhance usability across SOS's products and platforms.
The Problem
When I joined the team at SOS, they had already crafted an incredible Inventory Software product. However, there was something missing—an identity! My mission became creating a visual brand experience for users of the app that felt consistent across all platforms; one that simplified complex tasks with predictability and intuition in mind. To successfully complete this, I also developed guidelines to equip future employees from day one on how SOS's look should be delivered into fruition going forward.
Approach
I began the design process by identifying epics and breaking them down into user stories. Working closely with the development (DEV) and Customer Care teams, I learned about current pain points that customers may be experiencing. Additionally, I inquired about any requests for new and improved services/flows. As part of the design process, the DEV team and I had many whiteboarding working sessions mapping out various tasks.
Design
The style guide I created served as a foundation for the UX patterns and UI components, ensuring visual consistency and a cohesive brand experience. It provided guidelines on color palettes, typography choices, iconography, spacing, and other design elements necessary to maintain a unified visual language across the brand's applications.
By creating these UX patterns and UI components, I empowered the design and development teams to efficiently build new features and products while maintaining a seamless user experience. These reusable elements not only saved time but also established a sense of familiarity and predictability for users, contributing to a more engaging and user-friendly interface.
Throughout the process, I continuously refined and iterated on the UX patterns and UI components based on user feedback, industry best practices, and emerging design trends. This iterative approach allowed us to adapt and improve the user experience, ensuring that SOS's software remained up-to-date and met the evolving needs of its users.
Challenges I Faced
As a design team of one, there was a lot to do. I relied on my project management skills as well as productivity software. This allowed me to stay aligned with the DEV team's needs, monitor progress, set goals, and communicate with team members in real-time.
Project Pain Points
Throughout the project, several pain points emerged that required attention and resolution. First, ADA compliance was a significant concern, requiring adherence to accessibility guidelines to ensure an inclusive experience for all users. Second, educating the company on design practices was essential to establish a shared understanding and appreciation for user-centered design principles. Lastly, maintaining open lines of communication across teams was crucial to facilitate collaboration and address any design-related challenges effectively.
Outcome
In summary, my role in creating the style guide, UX patterns, and UI components was instrumental in forging a strong brand identity and delivering a consistent, intuitive, and visually appealing user experience across SOS's product offerings. The outcome of this effort was a more cohesive and engaging user interface, increased user satisfaction, and streamlined design and development processes. By addressing challenges such as ADA compliance, educating the company on design practices, and fostering effective communication, we were able to overcome obstacles and achieve successful outcomes for SOS.
