Streamlining the Product Design Process at Viasat: Overview
Ashley Cunningham
UX Designer
Product Designer
Design Systems
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Figma
Viasat - Tactical Data Links
Background:
The initial state of Viasat's product design process suffered from inefficiencies and pain points, hindering design cycles, reduced collaboration, and potential impacts on product quality.
Approach:
A comprehensive analysis identified key issues. The implementation strategy included the introduction of new tools, methodologies, and training programs.
In addition to technological upgrades, a crucial aspect involved addressing creative leadership and design team management challenges. The goal/outcome was to establish a culture of accountability, trust and a design culture across the org.
Packaging Redesign interactive proof for stakholders review
Creative Leadership & Design Team Management:
Coaching partners at all levels in the design and UX process, fostering user-focused problem-solving.
Partnering with User Experience Research (UXR) for testing, creating measurements to track success, ensuring user and business needs are met.
Bringing key stakeholders for reviews, breaking down risk into solvable pieces aligning with the product roadmap.
Direct Hire Management:
Growling a team of 4 design ICs & 3 design contractors.
Providing clear direction to IC designers and engineers, fostering continual growth.
Weekly/bi-weekly 1:1s, documenting goals, wins, and growth opportunities.
Partnering with Product Management, Engineering, and Commercial leaders:
Defining the product process, engaging in Agile ceremonies, and UX implementation.
Building relationships with cross-functional peers to execute and iterate on the product design process.
Educating on appropriate UXR tools and testing, establishing realistic timelines based on effort over value.
Building User-Centered Products:
Collaborative relationship-building, evangelizing design capabilities, and balancing business asks.
Leading design teams to explore, experiment, and iterate, discerning the right time to utilize team members' expertise.
Ensuring alignment with partner teams, providing the right tools through design systems, components, and reusable assets.
Delivery of Customer-Centric Products:
Ensuring high-quality design and team procedures.
Driving delight for customers by providing timely services.
Increasing customer loyalty by consistently meeting their needs and wants.
Delivering mass-market consumer products across multiple countries with consideration for culture, accessibility, and accommodations.
Results:
Quantitative and qualitative improvements were observed, including reduced design cycles, increased collaboration, and improved product quality.
Lessons Learned:
Reflection on the experience, key takeaways, and insights into what worked well and adjustments made.
Future Recommendations:
Suggestions for continuous improvement and adapting the streamlined process to future projects.
Conclusion:
The streamlined product design process positively impacted Viasat, achieving improved efficiency and product quality.
