VA Toolshelf | Software Hub for Creator Tools, PlayStation
Project Summary: Redesigned the VA Toolshelf UI and user workflows to improve navigation, accessibility, collaboration and adoption rate.
My Role: Research / UX Design / Visual Design / Interaction Design / Strategy / Branding / IA / Prototyping / Usability Testing / Accessibility
Lead Software Engineer
PSVA Departments: Production, Mocap, Animation, Rigging, Sound, Art and Engineering
Native Desktop Tool / App for PC, MAC, and Linux
Dev Tool - QT
5 Months
Challenge
Users found ways to bypass the tool because it was hard for them to find and launch the software they need. This caused pipeline and licensing issues.
Business Goals
To improve user adoption rate for the tool
To improve collaboration between teams
Allow for easier assignment & tracking of licenses
Stakeholders
PSVA Director of Engineering, PSVA Director of R&D, PSVA Director of Animation, Lead Software Engineer
100%
Ease of Use
90%
Intuitive - Finding & launching Tools
80%
Fail - Duplicating Tools Feature
Process
Research & Analysis: “How might we develop a streamlined navigation experience and enhance VA Toolshelf's update system to foster user delight and increase user adoption rates”
Information Architecture: Mapping out the entire application's structure by using sitemaps allowed me to easily identify problem areas with menus, as well as, the location of options within the overall UI.
Wireframing & Prototyping: Through a process of continuous learning and iteration, I kept working on sketching ideas to solve key concerns and usability problems that arose as I tested the prototype with users.
Solution & Impact: The implementation of collapsible sections, update notifications, a search bar and a more visual UI with clearly defined tiles not only delighted users but boosted user adoption rates up to 80%.
Update and Notification System - Solution:
Give Artie Wick the ability to choose their own update schedule from two pre-determined options.
Developed two VA Toolshelf Modes: A Dev Mode and Regular Mode so that Devvie Tester can test updates using Dev Mode Toolshelf without impacting the work of Artie Wick.
Sketching and Concept Wireframes
Through a process of continuous learning and iteration, I kept working on sketching ideas to solve key concerns and usability problems that arose as I tested the prototype with users.
Designing Logos for the VA Toolshelf and Game Dev Tools
A challenging task was designing intuitive logos for 37 tools to ensure the Toolshelf buttons were visually distinctive, consistent, and appealing. I began by experimenting with color combinations that would harmonize and avoid clashing when the elements came together.
Lessons Learned
This project helped me truly understand that I can and should leverage the knowledge of people on the team that I work with so I can design better solutions that are truly innovative.
“Merilly hit the ground running, making a huge impact almost immediately on our team by establishing UX processes and style guides which contributed to more cohesive, polished and successful products. She is a champion for users and her support has helped to dig deep on user desires and issues that have not come up in general meetings and conversations.”
Rebecca Abel
Senior Software Engineer | PlayStation