UX Design & Optimization

Internal Dashboard UX Optimization

Simplifying heavy data tables and standardizing UI systems to improve task processing speed for operations teams by 50%.

Role Product Designer
Industry B2B Dashboard Systems
Duration 8 Weeks
Outcome 50% Task Time Reduction

Introduction

This project involved redesigning a core internal dashboard used by operations teams to process supplier catalogs and match orders. The goal was to update a complex, data-heavy portal into a fast, scannable workspace that aligns with daily employee workflows.

The Problem

The operations team spent significant time managing catalogs and resolving order issues. Usability reviews highlighted key bottlenecks:

  • Cluttered Visual Hierarchy: Inconsistent font scales and button styles made it difficult to scan rows and identify high-priority orders.
  • Complex Data Tables: Tables displayed too many fields without clear column hierarchy or filtering options, leading to cognitive fatigue.
  • Unclear Search Feedback: The search field lacked loading indicators. Users were often unsure if the system was loading, experienced an error, or had no results.
  • Fragmented Workflows: Managing invoices required switching to a separate application, adding unnecessary steps to the catalog process.

The Goal

Key Objectives

Improve layout scannability, standardize interface elements, clarify database search states, and integrate the invoice management tool directly into the dashboard to speed up daily operations.

Research & Insights

We conducted usability tests and observed team members as they performed daily tasks. Key observations included:

Observations

- Data Overload: Operators only needed 4 key columns (out of 14) to determine their next action. The other columns were secondary and could be moved to details drawers.
- Search Delays: Without feedback states, users frequently re-submitted queries, leading to unnecessary API requests and slower processing times.
- Workflow Gaps: Operators spent up to 15 seconds switching between apps just to copy-paste invoice values. Integrating this feature directly was a high priority.

The Solution

We implemented several design improvements to the workspace:

  • Refined Table Layout: Reorganized data tables to prioritize the 4 key columns, placing secondary details in slide-out drawers.
  • Standardized Components: Created a consistent UI library for badges, statuses, and action buttons to improve scannability.
  • Clear Search Indicators: Added loading, empty, and error feedback states to keep users informed during search tasks.
  • Integrated Invoice Module: Built an invoice drawer directly into the order list, allowing users to process invoices without leaving their main workspace.

Impact & Outcome

18s
Avg Task Time (Down from 40s)
~50%
Reduction in Cognitive Load
Zero
App-Switching Delays

Key Learnings

Designing internal tools taught me that employee-facing UX is just as important as customer-facing design. While customer-facing apps prioritize engagement, internal workspaces focus on speed, efficiency, and clarity. Removing small friction points can lead to significant time savings for operations teams.

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