Bestcloud-SaaS Platform
COMPANY
Huawei
YEAR
2022
WORK WITH
2 Product manager, 2 Business consultants,
2 Visual designers, 10+Software Engineers
MY ROLE
Research, UI/UX design,
Usability testing
Network insight analysis
Network planning
Collaboration tools
We successfully signed a contract with Guangxi Mobile and sold the first order(06/2022), which was highly recognized by customers.
The new SaaS service has been launched and sold
OUTCOME
· Categorized App Center:
App Center is categorized into 3 sections by software type.
· Easy Access to Purchased Products:
Convenient and organized software browsing and purchasing, with easy access to purchased products and detailed descriptions in a right-side drawer.
2. App center displays details and purchasing contact information
The workstation adopts a total top navigation.
Left side - Platform-side modules: home page, app center, data center
Right side - User-side modules: order center,account center
Left navigation is the Application navigation,
which default 64px (minimum size), 240px(maximum size),
consistent across platforms.
I built the information architecture of the SaaS workstation from scratch, which includes the homepage, application center, order center, account center, and data upload (this module is a must-have for the internal platform).
Bestcloud includes introduction to the platform or products,industry advantages, and target partners.
1. What is Bestcloud
Stage 1: Design a Portal for promotion and purchase entrance
DESIGN
I have created a to-be user journey map that includes roles, tasks, touchpoints, and some identified opportunity points at each stage.
Ideal User Journey
I have created an As-is user journey map that is divided into five stages. The behaviors of each character role in each stage are detailed, and their connections with each other are shown.
Note: The GDE platform is a Huawei internal data platform.
Current User Journey
The following are persona for 5 different types of roles.
Clicking the button will display an introduction to the corresponding user persona.
Persona
We determined the platform's operational model through expert interviews, and analyzed each role individually to create the role relationship diagram.
Role Relationship Diagram
How might we combine offline and online services?
RESEARCH
Solution: Offline negotiation and case-by-case pricing
Background
GENEXCloud is Huawei's internal network management platform for improving network performance. It has three modules: network insight analysis, network planning, and collaboration tools, with user-friendly products like CloudEye, 3D maps, and AR tools.
Problem: Only available for internal use
While some customers want to solve their problems, these software are only available for internal use by Huawei employees.
Strategy
To enable customers to use our products, we must introduce a new business model. One such effective option is SaaS, which enables users to access and operate cloud-based applications via the Internet.
How do we monetize with a SaaS model?
We looked at the business model and user journey of leading SaaS platforms, such as Salesforce and SAP.
A typical one would be:
Expert Interview: Variable price & No payment system
We interviewed an internal expert at Huawei who has many years of experience dealing with external clients and is familiar with the company's internal business model and customer needs. He said that our service cannot be based solely on an online SaaS model. Why is that?
Solution: Offline business
1.Establishing consistent pricing is challenging due to the variability in customer pricing.
2.There is no payment system and platform to support online payments internally.
Since product pricing varies and cannot be purchased online, the purchase process can be moved offline.
This way, the price of each order can be negotiated and there is no need to develop new online payment functions.
Customers can apply for a trial environment.
2. Trial requests are available on the product detail page.
Purchasing Supervisor may reach out to Huawei's Relationship Executive via email or phone to query or buy items.
3. Contact Us page, including team introduction and contact information.
Information Architecture
Stage 2: Design a SaaS platform for intelligence, operations, and collaboration
Application Framework
· User-centric design
The app displays tasks and includes a Popular Apps module for a better user experience.
· Comprehensive functionality
The app includes essential features such as Messages, User Guide, and accessible Feedback to assist users in navigating and providing input.
· Engaging user interface
The app's layout is clean and attractive, enhancing user engagement and enjoyment.
Homepage Features
1. Multi-functional homepage with role-based permissions
Account management module shows purchased app count and team members (admin-only)
Design for two roles: with role-based permissions
The order page allows you to view order details, including order duration, activation date, expiration date, etc.
3. View order details in the order center
Upload a template provided by users to achieve one-click upload and improve efficiency.
4. One-click import of employee information
The permission management is designed using the RBAC permission management system for ease of development and management.
* RBAC is a system for managing permissions and access control based on the roles of individual users. RBAC assigns different levels of system access to users based on their job roles or functions, limiting unauthorized access to sensitive data and critical functions.
5. Role permissions adopt the RBAC permission system
Current workspace: Vision 1.0 for intelligence and operations.
Planned next version: Enhance collaboration with operation and community centers.
Future plan: Enhance collaboration
Evaluation Workshop
After identifying opportunities through user research, I invited project managers, designers, and engineers to participate in an evaluation workshop.
We prioritize the most critical features and discuss their technical feasibility, then created a Prioritization Matrices.