SOS Digital
Platform
Research and product design
Role: Lead UX designer
Market: Asia-Pacific
Team: MING Labs Asia
Date: Aug 2022
Sustainable Office Solutions (SOS) specializes in repurposing old office furniture through responsible reuse and redistribution. To streamline this process, they wanted a digital platform to track assets, manage inventory, and facilitate direct redistribution. I worked closely with MING Labs’ business design and development teams from discovery to handover, ensuring the platform was both functional and easy to use. We conducted research, defined features, as well as kept design and development aligned, resulting in a seamless solution that met SOS’s needs.
Project timeline for the MVP development phase.
Mapping out SOS workflow and define features
To understand SOS’s project management and asset redistribution processes, we interviewed team members across different roles. These conversations helped us pinpoint pain points and shape our design approach. By focusing on their workflow and challenges, we created a solution that directly addressed their needs, making their processes smoother and more efficient.
The MVP feature tree we defined based on client's needs and requirements.
Information architecture
To replace SOS’s reliance on Excel for tracking assets, we designed a clearer, more intuitive information architecture for their digital platform. The old system lacked hierarchy, so we organized assets, projects, and data in a way that made management and tracking more efficient. This restructuring improved usability and set a strong foundation for the platform’s development.
UI design language
Since SOS had no prior experience with digital products, we created a UI design language from their brand guidelines. Their website style didn’t quite fit, so we developed a fresh approach that kept the platform visually cohesive and aligned with their brand identity.
Prototyping and usability test
After establishing the UI design language, we built an interactive prototype to test with users. We organized it into feature groups to gather feedback from different personas. Usability testing revealed areas for improvement, which we addressed through design iterations, refining the experience to better meet user needs.
Design Production
After validating the design, we finalized the remaining screens, built supportive features, and developed a component library. Working alongside the development team in a Scrum workflow, we ensured smooth collaboration and a consistent UI. This agile approach kept design and development aligned, allowing for an efficient MVP launch.
We successfully delivered the MVP and later expanded the product in Phase 2. The SOS digital platform is now actively used by multiple clients for efficient office asset management. With this system, SOS can seamlessly redistribute collected assets, making the entire process more efficient. This marks a major step forward in their asset management and redistribution efforts, benefiting both SOS and their clients.