Fiix software, Rockwell Automation
DESCIPLINE
UX/UI Design, UX Audits, Design System, UX Patterns
ROLE
UX Designer
FOR
Co-op program
TEAM
Fiix Design Team, 7 Designers intotal
TIME
Internship
May - Sep 2022
TOOLS
Figma, Figjam, Miro
Slack, Zoom
Jira, Confluence
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a UX Designer at Fiix Software during the summer of 2022. I actively participated in the development of product features and learned the importance of cross-functional communication to keep teams informed of work progress, including designers from different teams.
My work focused on designing new product features, maintaining the design system, and enhancing the UX patterns of the product.
Context
Fiix is a comprehensive CMMS software that empowers businesses to efficiently organize their maintenance departments, tackle maintenance backlogs, and proactively implement preventive maintenance strategies.
What does maintenance industry need?
Industrial maintenance encompasses the implementation of processes aimed at minimizing breakdowns, maximizing uptime, and promoting overall reliability of assets.
It involves both reactive and preventive maintenance strategies, with the goal of ensuring assets are consistently maintained in optimal working condition.
What does Fiix provide?
Fiix offers a range of product features tailored to address the unique needs of the maintenance industry.
Calendar
Work Order
The calendar feature provides a user-friendly visual overview of a worker's tasks for an entire week, making it easy for managers to efficiently manage day-to-day work orders and assign technicians for maintenance tasks.
A work order encompasses both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance tasks, and includes critical details such as instructions, meter readings, etc. This feature aids technicians in efficiently managing, recording, and modifying tasks.
Asset management
AI Analysis
Assets refer to a company's facilities, equipment, parts, and tools, and are recorded in a system that stores crucial information such as manufacturer contacts, usage conditions, and more for each equipment.
AI analysis utilizes algorithms to generate comprehensive monthly, seasonal, and yearly business reports by leveraging data from Work Orders and Asset management, providing valuable insights for informed decision-making.
My Work
During my time at Fiix, I had the opportunity to actively pursue my internship goals while taking on product development responsibilities. In summary, here are some of the key responsibilities I had.
UX Research
Design
I actively sought a deeper understanding of tasks by researching existing data and technical documents. I also conducted 1:1 meetings with Designers, PMs, and developers to gather valuable insights on the product, which I then presented and discussed during weekly digest meetings.
During my internship, I leveraged Figma and the Fiix Design System to create innovative solutions for various product challenges. I utilized prototyping extensively to effectively communicate my ideas to my team, avoiding mundane text-based explanations.
Prototype
Coordinate with Cross Functional Team
I built low-fi prototypes to showcase my potential solutions to cross-functional teams, including developers and product managers. Additionally, I collaborated with another UI designer to create a high-fi prototype for a product feature.
I collaborated with cross-functional teams responsible for different product modules to ensure consistency in UX/UI patterns. This involved effective communication and alignment efforts.
Usability Testing
Maintaining Design System
I conducted user interviews and usability testing with internal stakeholders to gather valuable insights for refining designs. Additionally, I participated in customer interviews to collect user feedback, providing valuable input for enhancing UX.
I supported updating and creating components in the company's Figma Design System, while also capturing and documenting UX patterns in the Fiix Design System.
Here are some example screens I worked on :0
Reflection
With challenges and lessons through the 4 months, here are my takeaways.
Design process
Data empowers idea
As my first UX design job, I gained hands-on experience with the end-to-end product design workflow, including Emphasis, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test, and more. I also honed my skills in designing within constraints such as tech feasibility, limited manpower, and heavy workloads.
Data helps identify target users, uncover pain points, and inform design decisions. When presenting design ideas to internal stakeholders, data serves as a compelling backup for my proposals. As the saying goes, "A design without data is like a cone without ice cream."
Be bold and think differently
Keep everyone in loop
I initially struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling hesitant to speak up in decision-making meetings due to my lack of experience compared to my colleagues. However, my leader's guidance and inclusion in brainstorming sessions helped me gain confidence, and I continue to work on overcoming imposter syndrome.
As there were multiple teams working on different product modules, I made efforts to familiarize myself with cross-functional teams to ensure awareness and support for my design suggestions. I also learned to communicate effectively and speak up about my work. Continuously improving in this area is a priority for me.
Memory
I worked in the product team, with a few senior design leads, multiple UX/UI Designers, UX researchers and UX tech writers. Work was completely remote, but I still had lots of fun enjoying in-peson events and online team games. Working remotely also taught me the importance of self-discipline.
