AIDA a Unified Solution for CRSD & DPG Data Needs

Overview:

The reliance on eight applications and the lack of a centralized data analysis platform within the internal Hub led to inefficient data access and reporting, negatively impacting productivity for two departments in a financial organization. Chōro was so successful that other departments looked for similar solutions. AIDA was one of these solutions.

• Artificial Intelligence Desktop Assistant (AIDA), a unified platform, was envisioned to provide intuitive search, advanced data analysis, and streamlined reporting, addressing the shared needs of both departments, as a result AIDA increased the process by 75%.

• I led the production of a no-code prototype and product blueprint that were developed through stakeholder interviews and user-centered design, showcasing AIDAs potential to improve data access and decision-making.

• The project highlights the value of product blueprints in aligning stakeholders and visualizing user experience, AIDA is now under development.

Challenge: 

The CRSD and DPG departments at a financial organization encounter similar data access. They require a solution that can: 

• Provide precise answers to specific questions: Users struggle to find tailored answers on the internal repository (Hub), leading to inefficiencies. 
• Improve data search, analysis, and reporting: The current process for searching, analyzing data, and creating reports is cumbersome and time-consuming.
• Enhance internal workflow: Fragmented data sources and processes hinder collaboration and workflow efficiency.

Outcome: 

The project yielded a no-code prototype showcasing a unified solution for CRSD and DPG. This prototype, along with the comprehensive product blueprint, will be used for user testing and stakeholder presentations to secure investment for further development. AIDA solution, designed with user needs at the core, has the potential to streamline data access, analysis, and reporting for both departments, leading to increased efficiency, improved decision-making, and reduced costs.

Background: 

Both departments heavily rely on the Hub for information retrieval. However, the Hub's search functionalities are inadequate, forcing users to navigate complex applications and processes (Bloomberg Reports, Coupa, Lotus Notes, etc.) with limited  success. This dependence on multiple apps coupled with the lack of a centralized data analysis platform negatively impacts productivity. Users experience frustration, project delays, missed deadlines, and increased expenses due to these challenges. 

Vision: 

This project aimed to develop a unified solution addressing the shared needs of CRSD and  DPG. Inspired by the Choro concept and UI, the goal was to design a single platform,  AIDA, that simplifies data access, analysis, and reporting. 

Solution: 

AIDA is envisioned as a user-friendly platform with the following core functionalities: 
• Intuitive Search: A powerful search engine that allows users to ask specific  questions and receive tailored answers. Integration with existing data sources like  the Hub, SharePoint, Bloomberg Reports, Corporate Research and Lotus Notes  ensures comprehensive data coverage. 
• Advanced Data Analysis: Users can leverage data visualization tools and  dashboards to analyze data effectively. Drag-and-drop functionalities,  customizable filters, and drill-down capabilities empower users to uncover insights  without relying on IT support. 
• Streamlined Reporting: AIDA facilitates the creation of professional and shareable  reports. Users can select relevant data visualizations and customize report formats  for different audiences. 

Approach:

Following a user-centered design approach, the project spanned four weeks and involved  close collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Interviews: We conducted interviews to gather high-level requirements, close user scenarios and journey gaps, and generate a product blueprint. 
• Product Blueprint: A product blueprint was created detailing the user's perspective and the underlying processes. It showcased the user journey, system responses, deliverables, features, and functionalities. This provided a comprehensive understanding of how the solution would deliver value for users. 
• Prototype Development: Leveraging Choro's design principles, we led the creation of a rapid prototype that catered to the needs of both CRSD and DPG. This prototype served as a tangible representation of the solution and facilitated user testing and feedback gathering. 
• Experiments: we led the experimentation phase, evaluating different design approaches and gathering user insights to refine the prototype. 

My Contribution: 

• Wireframe Generation: I developed initial wireframes to visualize the core functionalities of the AIDA platform. 
• Product Blueprint Support: I collaborated with the Senior Service Design in generating the product blueprint by providing additional user journey details and insights, ensuring a clear and comprehensive representation of the solution.  
• Experiments: I executed the experimentation phase, evaluating design variations and gathering user feedback to optimize the solution to test different design solutions. 

Key Takeaway:

Product blueprint proved to be a valuable tool in visualizing the user experience and aligning stakeholder expectations. They helped communicate the solution's underlying processes and how it interacts with users' actions to create a positive experience.