Ford Motor Company

Problem: How can we improve the process for setting up a section of the product structure for Design and Release Engineers?

Actions: My team came up with two potential solutions and created a multivariate test through Invision. We useed a clickable prototype and tested with 5 end-users. Our goal with user testing was to determine which version of the prototype users would gravitate toward more.

• Hypothesis 1 - Incorporating an “add to cart” type pattern would help engineers select the correct product hardware and software combinations. 

• Hypothesis 2 - By showing user input information as they enter it, the data would be easier to review and validate.

Results: User test findings were compiled and shared with the product managers. A design incorporating both versions was created based on feedback.

• Slide-out was confusing to users in both versions.

• Liked having the progress tracker indicating what step they were on in the process

• Having the system automatically go to the next step without having press continue was favorable.

• Separating out software and hardware was helpful.

• Preferred being able to go back and edit without having to go through the whole flow

• Appreciated having the tool-tips for new concepts (i.e. relationships)

Lessons Learned: Providing options and testing with both allows all members of a design team to be heard. That being said, testing with clickable prototypes has its difficulties. We had a couple users who were “click crazy” and didn’t understand there were limitations unlike using a live site (regardless of reminders).