Intro

Embarking on the journey of modernizing a legacy desktop application presents both a challenge and an opportunity. In this project, the focus was on transforming a widely used tool into a web-based application that not only maintained feature parity with its predecessor but also leveraged this redesign to elevate the user experience. This showcase highlights the steps taken, challenges faced, and goals achieved in creating a user-centered and innovative solution.

Overview

The project involved reimagining a legacy desktop application known for its reliability and extensive user base. This process encompassed designing and documenting a comprehensive design system, transitioning the application from desktop to a modern web-based platform, and collaborating closely with Product and Development teams. Insights were gathered from existing and potential users to ensure the new application maintained its core functionalities while integrating UX improvements for a more seamless and efficient user experience.

Problem

The existing desktop application, while robust and reliable, had become outdated in its interface and architecture. Key challenges included:

1. Lack of a cohesive design system, leading to inconsistencies in user interaction.

2. A growing user need for accessibility and functionality in a web environment.

3. Outdated processes that created friction for users navigating the application. The modernization effort addressed these limitations, paving the way for an adaptable and scalable solution.

Goals

1. Design System Creation: Establish a well-documented and scalable design system to ensure visual and functional consistency.

2. Feature Parity: Transition to the web while maintaining all critical functions of the desktop application.

3. Enhanced UX: Improve workflows and usability by identifying pain points and opportunities through user research.

4. Collaboration: Align closely with Product and Development teams to ensure the delivery of high-value features.

5. User-Driven Design: Incorporate feedback from existing and potential users to prioritize features that address real needs and preferences.

I collaborated closely with the UX team to design and document a comprehensive component library, serving as a cornerstone for consistency and efficiency. This library ensured uniform styles and interactions across the application, promoting a cohesive user experience. Additionally, the well-documented components established a strong foundation for smoother handoffs to the development team, streamlining the implementation process.

I engaged in discussions with existing and new customers, as well as development teams, to refine designs through iterative feedback. This approach ensured the designs addressed user needs while staying aligned with technical feasibility, resulting in a user-centered and practical solution.

Summary

This project modernized a legacy desktop application by transitioning it to the web, creating a design system, and enhancing the user experience through collaboration and user research.

available for new projects