Bodo.ai Improving the platform usability

I transformed the Bodo.ai platform, making it much easier to navigate and perform tasks related to clusters and workspaces. This led to a substantial 40% improvement in user experience. This achievement was the outcome of in-depth research, creative planning, prototype building, and insightful conversations with users. I took charge of developing new ideas, mapping out the process, crafting detailed blueprints, and designing an appealing interface. I collaborated closely with product leaders, subject matter experts, and software developers to uphold exceptional UX standards. Additionally, I conducted thorough interviews with 7 users, gathering invaluable feedback to further refine and enhance the Bodo.ai platform. 

Problem

• Limited access to Bodo's options for users. 

• Inadequate competitiveness in the market and low customer satisfaction with the product. 

The goal

To enhance user adoption and retention, the Bodo platform employs a user interface that presents pertinent options for enhancing the user experience, thus bolstering usability and minimizing customer attrition. 

The product

Bodo is a SQL and Python data processing web-based platform, powered by advanced compilers and MPI parallelization technologies. 

Responsibilities

• Conducting interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping

• Conducting usability studies

• Iterating on designs

Competitive Analysis

Competitors Streamline Data Analysis with Modular Interfaces and Cloud-Based Flexibility

Leading platforms like Databricks and Snowflake stand out for their user-centric design and advanced data-handling capabilities. Databricks offers IPython-style notebooks and automated cluster management, supported by a modular UI and side navigation that simplifies workflow and feature discovery. Snowflake emphasizes cloud-based accessibility, with options for editing cluster properties and a dedicated support menu, empowering users with seamless, scalable data analysis experiences. 

Understanding the users

I performed user interviews and surveys to better understand the users and their requirements. I conducted the evaluation, followed by several usability testing sessions with 7 current users with the help of the product manager and chief engineer. In the end, we identified the key areas for improvement in the platform.

• Experience

The platform for existing users does not offer a pleasant browsing experience.

• Navigation

Because the menu designs are convoluted, navigation can be difficult.

• Interaction

On the platform, finding the menu options was challenging, which occasionally caused users to be confused.

The Major Insight

• Bring the "Workspaces" menu option to the left bar (similar to Databricks).

• Show the name of the workspace at the top of the page. 

• Adding an option for editing cluster properties in the cluster management and status page.

• Add a confirmation pop-up before deleting the cluster.

• Add an option for receiving notification (by email) for cluster status changes (create, delete, pause, unpause, and errors).

• Identify the latest version by adding a “last version” tag to the latest build in the version drop-down menu.

• The question mark next to the instance type should be more specific.

• Adding contact support to the menu.

The status indicator was redesigned as the old indicator (in the picture on the left) looked like a button and caused confusion.

• Adding the "Workspaces" option to the left bar

• Changing the design of status

• Replacing the remove cluster button with a three dots menu

• Adding the name of the workspace to the top of the screen

• Adding Delete, Edit, and Permission as options in the three dots menu

• Adding a confirmation before deleting the Workspace.

• Adding a Permission Setting to the cluster to control user access rights. 

Conclusions+Lessons Learned

Wrapping Up & What I Learned

The project led to positive outcomes by simplifying the user journey, removing unnecessary steps, and reducing confusion. I explored different design approaches and visual elements to better align with Bodo’s goals. I also practiced explaining my design decisions to the team, which helped get many of my ideas into the final product.

One mistake I made was trying to solve too many problems at once. I learned that it’s better to focus on fixing the core issues first, instead of spreading my efforts too thin. This helped me become more strategic and thoughtful in my design process.