User Interface Design
User Experience Design
Web Design
Cirrus LS is a web-based software company that specializes in SaaS software that creates a secure online portal for banks to manage incoming and outgoing documents, specifically related to lending.
Objective
I was tasked with restructuring and redesigning the entire look, feel and functionality of a web based software that revolved around data management. To start the process I had to determine who I was designing this software for. What were the user skill levels? Was it just bankers that were using the software? This software revolves around several end users ranging from loan officers, bank managers, and the borrowers.
Strategy
The first step was to analyze the current software structure and actually learn how it functioned and what its intended usage actually is. A quick wireframe and prototyping of the current software in Adobe XD gave a great visual of where most of the work flowed. It aided in determining necessary key features and the route the users were currently using to get to them.
Research and Analysis
Creating software that is smooth to use and works well for its users, is best achieved by working together with the client as well as the users to get into the detail. Numerous white boards, post-it notes, debates, and shared food ensued as ideas were exchanged and concepts were developed. Theories and suggestions dynamically shifted into plans of action. A questionnaire was sent out to 50 current banks to get user feedback on the current software and what they liked, disliked, used the most, etc. From those responses, I was better able to understand the client and where they were coming from. Here are three personas created representing the main users of this software.
Prototyping and mockups
! developed a wireframe prototype to test the new site structure, journeys to important content, and key functionality. This was accompanied by mockups of major page types. In our design phase we set out to simplify the design and streamline the interactions. There had been numerous excess clicks and movements needed to accomplish the needed tasks. I began the wire framing process to pin point the appropriate framework needed to solve our UX problems.
Consolidated and reorganized screens for Cirrus's Secure Online Document Portal. The new design allows for drag and drop functionality as well as tabbed sections so that you can accomplish multiple tasks without having to navigate away from the portfolio you are currently working with.
Build
The build phase of the project involved developing static front-end templates for each of the page types and their interactions. These templates were then handed over to the development team to begin building the framework and integrating the new features.
The software Version 5 has been in production since 2018 and has since seen several updates. The company was also sold and slightly rebranded in 2019. The software I designed remains the foundation for their business today.
Website
The website was actually the precursor to the UI work for their software. Cirrus LS's site was a bit outdated since the company had taken a seat for a few years while the owners relocated and started ramping the software again. The sites main purpose is to inform potential clients about the software and its uses, who it helps, as well as where to inquire about a demo version.
