Overview
Client
Multinational Tech Conglomerate (via HCL Technologies)
Location
Redmond, Washington USA
Role
Senior UX/UI Designer
Tools
Photoshop, Illustrator, Whiteboards, Paper & Pens
Timeframe
6 months
Story
Problem
A multinational tech conglomerate needed an internal tool to replace an outdated, third-party Immigration Portal with systemic usability issues that were negatively impacting competitive hiring.
Challenge
Tasked with designing a function-heavy application from user stories under a tight 6-month deadline (and against a background of rapidly changing US Immigration policies) I led the UX and UI Design and delivered a code-ready, friendly solution that exceeded business requirements.
Outcome
The resulting updated portal has improved immigration experiences for over 20,000 employees worldwide.igning a function-heavy application from user stories under a tight 6-month deadline (and against a background of rapidly changing US Immigration policies) I led the UX and UI Design and delivered a code-ready, friendly solution that exceeded business requirements.
Design process
User Research
I spent the first week analyzing focus group usability studies which revealed frustration with outmoded UI and navigation of the existing portal, as well as lack of transparency in case-processing times. I captured insights in four research-based personas to guide the design.
UX and UI Design
I developed two design options based on user feedback and business needs. Advocating for a brand-compliant dark green, I aimed to evoke reassurance and encouragement. To enhance the fresh, friendly feel, I integrated the color into hero elements with functional calls-to-action, blending the color into images of diverse employees to reflect the company’s hiring values.
Testing & iteration
Based on feedback from milestone usability tests, I made changes such as reducing the height of the hero image, adding a progress bar, and making clear UI distinctions between a principal's profile and that of a dependent.
I iterated on the UI to balance function and style with technical constraints and strict accessibility requirements.
Design highlights
I distilled 100+ user stories into concept sketches, iterating with team feedback to develop high-fidelity digital prototypes.
From sketch to prototype
I collaborated closely with developers, providing detailed documentation to ensure the final coded product accurately reflected the approved designs.
Design standards
Home page with redline annotations for developers
Outcomes
Successes
✅
✅
✅
Launched in September 2017, now used by 20,000+ employees worldwide
Positive feedback on functionality, ease of use, and modern UI
Continued, iterative improvements based on usability tests
User Feedback
💬
💬
💬
“This makes me happy.”
“It’s a massive improvement.”
“It looks clean and modern, like a 21st-century website.”
Challenges
🔴
🔴
🔴
Designing a complex tool from user stories
Tight deadlines and shifting requirements
Balancing usability, branding, and technical constraints
Opportunities
🔹
🔹
🔹
Adding a chat feature
Integrating Task Alerts with Outlook
Implementing local search on the Home Page
Key learnings
⭐
⭐
⭐
Trust the UX process and advocate tirelessly for users.
Collaborate closely with engineers for feasible designs.
Adapt quickly to new requirements and constraints.
