ApptioOne
ApptioOne is a cloud financial management platform that improves visibility, optimization, governance and more across cloud environments.
Client
Apptio Cloudability
Role
Senior Product Designer
Duration
1 year
Project Type
Financial Tech
Overview
As Apptio acquired Cloudability, the task was multi-layered: unify divergent design systems and birth ApptioOne—a game-changer for IT and finance pros.
Problem
Navigating two different design systems, developing a new product, and managing dual leadership expectations made for a complex design challenge.
Goal
Develop a unified design language and establish ApptioOne as a go-to tool for data modeling, analytics, and forecasting.
Challenge
Fusing two design languages, satisfying two leadership teams, and crafting a flexible yet robust customization framework for ApptioOne.
Some Past Cloudability Application Visuals
Solution: A Step-byStep Odyssey
The Audit & Research Phase
Initial steps included a comprehensive design audit of both Apptio and Cloudability’s systems.
Research Methodology: User surveys for quantitative data, in-depth interviews for qualitative insights, and heatmaps and analytics to identify bottlenecks.
The Design Sprint Fiesta
Focused sprints led to high-fidelity prototypes for ApptioOne.
Research: Stakeholder interviews and A/B tests, supplemented by quick guerrilla usability tests, guided each sprint.
Converging the Design Systems
Both design languages were married into a unified system.
Research: Continual usability tests and internal workshops aligned the project with user needs and company goals.
The Universal Core & Customization Dance
Created a strong core product, allowing for customizations based on broader business requirements.
Research: Customer support tickets and targeted interviews highlighted universally needed customizations.
Results
ApptioOne redefined organizational data management. User engagement surged and the time spent on budgeting and forecasting dropped, all while offering actionable insights.
Additional Challenges
Customization Expectations: The Silent Challenge
Introduced a ‘universal core, customizable periphery’ model to align business objectives with user needs.
Navigating Dual Leadership: The Diplomatic Tango
Balanced expectations between two leadership teams by defining roles, setting boundaries, and ensuring transparency.
- Role Definition: Outlined the decision-making scope of each team.
- Bi-Weekly Sync-ups: Regular touch-points with both leadership teams for alignment.
- Unified Updates: Consolidated monthly reports to foster collective ownership.
