Effect | Desktop App
About the project
Intelligent
Market Analysis
Effect is the largest product by complexity and duration that I have ever worked on
Over the past three years, I have dedicated my efforts to developing Effect, a comprehensive platform that provides ten distinct services for market analysis prior to procurement. In this case study, I will delve deeper into two key services that formed the foundation of Effect’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
A critical aspect of my role involves collaborating with diverse teams and offering continuous support to our design team, ensuring we achieve optimal results together.
Managing design across multiple services simultaneously is both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. The responsibility of capturing every detail is vital and can be intense at times, but this drive inspires me to deliver the best outcomes possible.
Managing design across multiple services simultaneously is both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. The responsibility of capturing every detail is vital and can be intense at times, but this drive inspires me to deliver the best outcomes possible.
Energy Sector
Role
Design Team Lead
User Experience
Visual Design
Hiring
User Experience
Visual Design
Hiring
Industry
Year
2022-2025
Overview
A quick start, intensive work and hundreds of prepared layouts
When I joined the team at the beginning of the Effect project, we faced the challenge of launching an MVP that included two key services: Supplier Search and Purchase Price Calculation -each within a tight timeline.
While it may seem like two services isn't a significant number, my role required me to quickly adapt to a new industry, establish effective workflows within the team, and design user-friendly services simultaneously.
Design Process
The graph illustrates the key stages involved in the application development process.
After establishing the visual identity, we focused on building a component library for the product's interface, relevant to market analysis. When we later presented the refined interface prototype to a focus group - now complete with branding - the response was notably different. This was largely due to the challenge some users faced in relating the simplistic wireframes to a polished final product.
Incorporating feedback from the focus group and analyzing the outcomes, we shifted our focus to creating detailed layouts and prototypes, collaborating closely with a dedicated designer. As the design team expanded, we could conduct more extensive user research, and with the addition of a UX editor, the product began to develop a distinct tone of voice. After presenting the enhanced prototype to future users and implementing some refinements, we successfully handed it over to the development team. However, our journey was far from over; it was merely the start of an even more enriching and exciting phase.
Incorporating feedback from the focus group and analyzing the outcomes, we shifted our focus to creating detailed layouts and prototypes, collaborating closely with a dedicated designer. As the design team expanded, we could conduct more extensive user research, and with the addition of a UX editor, the product began to develop a distinct tone of voice. After presenting the enhanced prototype to future users and implementing some refinements, we successfully handed it over to the development team. However, our journey was far from over; it was merely the start of an even more enriching and exciting phase.
The initial phase of developing the interface for the Supplier Search and Purchase Price Calculation services involved engaging with stakeholders to understand their needs. Following this, we conducted a thorough market analysis, examining competitors and their digital offerings.
One of the most exciting steps in this process was identifying best practices and benchmark interfaces from similar sectors, particularly those designed to handle large volumes of data. We then moved on to outlining the user journey and crafting a user scenario tailored for the MVP stage.
With the foundational work in place, we progressed to creating initial wireframes and prototypes. We developed five variations, and after conducting high-level testing with prospective users, we chose to refine one design that showed the most promise. Simultaneously, we embarked on an engaging task of developing a name and visual identity for the new product, in which I contributed as a consulting expert.
One of the most exciting steps in this process was identifying best practices and benchmark interfaces from similar sectors, particularly those designed to handle large volumes of data. We then moved on to outlining the user journey and crafting a user scenario tailored for the MVP stage.
With the foundational work in place, we progressed to creating initial wireframes and prototypes. We developed five variations, and after conducting high-level testing with prospective users, we chose to refine one design that showed the most promise. Simultaneously, we embarked on an engaging task of developing a name and visual identity for the new product, in which I contributed as a consulting expert.
UX Design. Wireframing
During this stage, we developed key sections for two services, which were then presented to a focus group for feedback.
The initial phase of designing the future user interface commenced with the creation of a Low-Fidelity Prototype.
Visual identity elements. Typography
We've selected a clean and versatile font that works seamlessly across both digital interfaces and marketing materials. The PT Root UI typeface is designed for readability, making it ideal for various applications - whether it's detailed user interfaces or impactful marketing and signage.
Our focus is on creating a cohesive typography experience that enhances usability and visual appeal.
Visual identity elements. Color scheme
The color scheme for the Effect product features a classic, yet engaging palette dominated by cool shades. This design choice was intentional, as our target audience consists of professionals who need to maintain focus and easily identify essential actions and key elements.
The primary color for actions is a vibrant neon blue, complemented by aquamarine accents, creating a harmonious and visually appealing interface.
UI Design. Components
& Design System
& Design System
Developing a robust library of interface components is one of the most crucial steps in our design process. By establishing a well-organized component base, we can save approximately 15-20% of the time typically spent on UI design.
We began by creating a library of interface elements, complete with detailed usage descriptions.
We began by creating a library of interface elements, complete with detailed usage descriptions.
Over time, this evolved into a comprehensive design system accompanied by editorial guidelines, enabling us to quickly implement new features or make widespread changes across all Effect services with just a few clicks.
UX Research. Interview with users
We employed several research methods in the product design process, including focus groups, in-depth interviews that incorporated usability testing, and user surveys. Now, let's take a closer look at the interviews.
Usability testing was carried out, incorporating elements of in-depth interviews. This approach is designed to uncover challenges encountered during the scenario steps and within the interface, allowing us to gain insights not only into the positive features but also into potential problem areas.
Usability testing was carried out, incorporating elements of in-depth interviews. This approach is designed to uncover challenges encountered during the scenario steps and within the interface, allowing us to gain insights not only into the positive features but also into potential problem areas.
Main Objectives of the research:
- Evaluate the usability of key user scenarios
- Identify key challenges encountered in the scenarios and offer actionable recommendations for improvement, focusing on aspects such as the interface, textual content
- Ensure that the existing interface is convenient for users before introducing additional functionalities to the product
At first we focused on conducting qualitative user research
10 in-depth interviews
“The product is convenient, I like that I can see who sent what to whom. Everything is in one place and is downloaded in a single format”
Development points
The list of found suppliers often includes all Russian regions, I would like to have a quick filter by region
The list of found suppliers often includes all Russian regions, I would like to have a quick filter by region
“I have been working in the company for more than 10 years in various positions in the procurement field. I started to use the Effect product actively - I like how fast it is.”
Development points
When I first conducted a market analysis, onboarding with tips was generally useful. The next time I conduct an analysis, a more advanced version is needed.
When I first conducted a market analysis, onboarding with tips was generally useful. The next time I conduct an analysis, a more advanced version is needed.
“In Effect, all documents are downloaded and purchasing price calculated fast. The commercial offer includes details about the customer, participants, the date sent, the date received, and the duration of its validity.”
Development points
The tips are generally informative, but you have to pay attention to them, which I usually don't do
The tips are generally informative, but you have to pay attention to them, which I usually don't do
“The Effect helps to expand competition, find new suppliers and calculate the purchase price - for these purposes it is good.”
Development points
Supplier reliability indicators are useful, but I would like to see risk factors highlighted more prominently, and everything else is not so important. That is, if there are risks, I would like to see them most clearly.
Supplier reliability indicators are useful, but I would like to see risk factors highlighted more prominently, and everything else is not so important. That is, if there are risks, I would like to see them most clearly.
User Persona
Incorporating user personas into the design and development process enables a deeper understanding of the real-world contexts in which users operate. This approach considers their work environments, existing tools, and the challenges they face.
For the market analysis app, user personas are a crucial foundation in the design process. They help ensure that the final product remains user-centered, effectively addresses the specific needs of the target audience, and ultimately drives more successful outcomes.
Procurement Manager
Michael
Middle Technical Proficiency
Modern Tech
Master's in Economics
Education
St Petersburg, Russia
Location
38-41
Age
- Identifying and mitigating risks associated with supplier reliability
- To minimize procurement costs while maximizing value for the organization and finding the best suppliers
Motives
- Email makes market analysis cumbersome and difficult to analyze effectively
- Contractors often submit offers that don't match technical specifications, creating confusion
- Key information like VAT rates is frequently missing from contractor submissions, complicating decision-making
Pain Points
- An intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface that minimizes the learning curve and increases user adoption
- Seamless integration with existing procurement and financial systems to streamline workflows and enhance data accuracy
- Access to ongoing training and support resources to help users maximize the app's capabilities
Core Needs
He has over 10 years of experience in various roles within the procurement field. Michael consistently leverages a range of software tools to streamline the procurement process.
He values user-friendly interfaces that allows him to quickly navigate and utilize the system without lengthy learning curves.
He values user-friendly interfaces that allows him to quickly navigate and utilize the system without lengthy learning curves.
Background and Facts
“I am looking for a tool that facilitates competitors analysis, identifies new pricing options, and allows colleagues to utilize it for gathering requirements and calculating purchase prices.”
4.47
Based on 1,253 reviews
points out of 5.0
User satisfaction rating
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