A scalable pricing system to streamline complex building configuration quotes.

role

Full-time UI Designer

industry

Enterprise Software Consulting

timeframe

Jan. 2023 — Nov. 2024

skills

Interface design

Hi-fi prototyping

Design systems

Agile workflows

the challenge

Honeywell Building Solutions' legacy system was incapable of handling an influx of complex building service contracts and installation projects, so they contracted Boston Harbor Consulting to assist them in modernizing it.

I was hired on as a full-time UI Designer to support BHC's team in January 2023. My role was designing user interface screens based on business requirements from the client, visualizing system architecture before development, and delivering interface mockups rapidly.

the outcome

A modern, scalable sales solution that streamlines multi-million dollar configurable building products

I helped design and ship 3 MVPs for a scalable sales solution that helped Honeywell building estimators configure, price, and quote over $800m in quotes within the first year.

Key achievements:

• Delivered mockups, hi-fi prototypes, and a design system.
• Streamlined design iteration cycles to meet critical sprint milestones.
  
• Enhanced cross-functional communication between BAs, the solution architect, and developers.
• Assisted with end-to-end shipment of a solution that processed over $1b in quotes during the project lifespan.
• Analyzed BRDs, worked with product owners, and documented UAT observations to inform design changes.

dive deeper

project overview

The HBS Project spanned over two years, including 3 Agile phases and 3 MVPs

This role was my first experience operating within a cross-functional team and following Agile workflows. I supported end-to-end delivery of the solution, joining during the project kickoff and delivering design work through the early development stage of phase 3. I stepped down from my full-time role to pursue my Master's degree, but continued to support design iteration part-time my first semester.

client informed design

We analyzed business requirements and spoke with product owners to understand the client's needs

Our understanding of the previous system was based off of analysis of business requirement documents done by the BAs as well as ongoing conversations with the product owners from Honeywell. To ensure we built the most accurate solution, we made assumptions based on BRDs and then clarified them with the product owners during weekly meetings. If our assumptions were wrong, we would make design changes and groom user stories to adjust.

client feedback

Client demos and UAT sessions provided feedback for improving our solution

Beyond ongoing conversations with the product owners, we also conducted UAT sessions hosted by Honeywell in Dubai and Bracknell to fully understand the business needs of the enterprise before going live. I supported our team virtually by listening to testing sessions and transferring user feedback tickets into our JIRA. Based on UAT tickets, I implemented changes into the source of truth Figma prototype for the developers to reference.

establishing consistency

Eliminating inconsistent UI elements improved design iteration and user experience

Design work began with combining Boston Harbor's proven, SAP-integrated CPQ solution framework with Honeywell's legacy system in Figma. However, both the framework and legacy system suffered from inconsistent touch targets, colors, iconography, and a disorganized layout. I created a unified design system to eliminate these inefficiencies to improve UI navigation and iteration speed.

cross-functional communication

Creating a hi-fi prototype as a source of truth for the team to enhance collaboration

Consulting work is chaotic and messy, and the team must have a source of truth and clarity during critical sprint milestones. My prototype streamlined design iteration cycles to meet critical sprint milestones, and enhanced cross-functional communication between BAs, the solution architect, the developers, and the designer (me). 

making my mark

I initiated redesigning BHC's logo to be more modern and abstract

I wanted to showcase my logo design skills to the company and leave a lasting mark, so I initiated a redesign of their old logo to be sleeker, modern, and professional. The redesign was adopted and implemented into all of the company's corporate branding and identity.

takeaways

My time at BHC consulting for Honeywell taught me the end-to-end cycle of product design, development, and delivery

• How to take multiple opinions (BRDs, Product Owners, UAT Feedback) into account to deliver a user-informed design
• The organization and planning that goes into working with a Fortune 100 company
• The craft and consistency required to consistently deliver high-quality mockups and hi-fi prototypes during critical design sprints
• Enhancing cross-functional communication between BAs, the solution architect, and developers streamlines decision making
  

how was ai used?

ChatGPT helped me understand complex industry-specific language

I primarily utilized ChatGPT to help me understand complicated terminology or systems questions related to SAP, CPQ, and Salesforce functionalities. This helped me to understand the industry language and better follow conversations during meetings to ensure I was aligned with how my interfaces were intended to improve the software we were building.

pwtloughlin@gmail.com

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