Optimizing Network Management Tools for BlueCat Networks

I led a qualitative research study and prototype creation for the redesign of the Dashboard of an IP Management System.

BlueCat Networks is a leading provider of DDI solutions, specializing in IP Address Management (IPAM), Domain Name System (DNS), and Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). With a 20% market share, the company is a key player in the enterprise technology sector, offering software-driven solutions that simplify complex networking tasks across various industries.

BlueCat clients expressed dissatisfaction with the dashboard design of the Address Management platform, making it difficult for System Administrators to access crucial decision-making data.

The information was scattered across multiple pages and sections, making it challenging to gauge the health of the servers. Moreover, there were no timely notifications of any server issues, and the response was delayed, posing a potential threat to their critical infrastructure.

Potential new clients valued advanced dashboard analytics and visualization. Given a 26-day deadline, our two-designer team had the challenge of redesigning the dashboard without direct access to customers for qualitative user research.

The absence of direct customer engagement during the design process was a significant hurdle. Without direct customer accesws to understand their painpoints and concerns it was harder to build a solution tailored to their needs and we would need to operate with a degree of uncertainty, based solely on assumptions. A misalignment between our solution and client expectations could have profound implications. Beyond the immediate financial and time costs, it risked hindering BlueCat Network Inc's efforts to penetrate the mid-market further.