Talaris :: NetObjects :: IDEO
At Talaris I designed Web, Palm and WAP interactions for searching inventory and booking Web Services for mobile professionals.
Development Issues
- Multi-step processes and visually intense UI diluted the definition of product benefits in the alpha product.
- Core product users changed from mobile professionals to all enterprise employees.
Research
- Interviewed mobile professionals and their administrative support.
- Extensive testing of web interfaces and wireless interactions.
- Monitored feedback from "Friends and Family" alpha testers.
Observations
- The visual design of the alpha product was not aligned with the visual design of other enterprise applications.
- Users did not discover most functions outside of core offering.
- Graphics distracted users, harmed performance and increased the potential cost of partner customizations.
- Usability issues included: 5-step enrollment process; 2 clicks to initiate a service request; no visible focus on product benefits.
Solutions
- Initiated evaluations of feature sets to determine those appropriate in the initial release.
- Removed non-business services and complex service and application preferences.
- Redesigned look and feel to be in-line with other enterprise portals and applications.
- Usability solutions included: 1-page enrollment; 1-click to initiate a service request; corporate purchase policy is presented on the procurement form to inform purchase decisions.
Images
.7 version with MyGazoo Project Name (Feb '01)
Talaris version 2.2 (Mar '02)
