My Modest Contribution to 24% of World Trade Every Day
Imagine being part of a select group of designers entrusted with crafting the world’s largest supply chain. We are not just enhancing an existing system; we are transforming a legacy platform into a state-of-the-art solution that will redefine how global trade operates. This is an opportunity of a lifetime—one you wouldn’t want to miss.Join me as I share the journey of how thoughtful design contributes to the heartbeat of international commerce, paving the way for a more connected and efficient future.
Here’s the Final Output Upfront—No Scrolling Required!
What is Maersk's Supply Chain Platform?
The NSCP (New Supply Chain Platform) is Maersk’s own supply chain universe, complete with a solar system of capabilities orbiting around it. Each capability plays a vital role in orchestrating seamless global trade. This digital supply chain solution optimizes customers’ logistics with advanced visibility for improved task execution.
My Role as a Senior Product Designer
As a product designer, my role extends to crafting the Origin and Destination capabilities of NSCP, ensuring they seamlessly align with the broader system. If you’re interested in knowing the end-to-end flow, view here
The Weight of Responsibility
With great power comes great responsibility—often accompanied by moments of self-doubt regarding one’s abilities. Designing this colossal platform felt like juggling a hundred balls, and some nights, sleep felt like the biggest ball I dropped!
Beginning the Research Journey
Certain of my uncertainties, I began my research journey with users. My research spanned continents, delving into the diverse perspectives of user groups from both Asia and Europe.
click to enlarge
Understanding Our User Landscape
I immersed myself in user research, unraveling two main user groups: internal service agents orchestrating seamless service and independent shippers charting their own course.
During my research, I identified several critical problems and user needs:
Inability to Execute Bulk Actions
Streamlining Delivery Planning
Eliminating Repetitive Data Entry
Customization Needs
Advocating for New Features
Starting Off on the Wrong Foot
With my newly discovered insights, I was convinced I could create the ultimate supply chain platform. However, my ambitious designs quickly took a backseat as I realized this endeavor was more of a team dance than a solo act.
Total Disaster
I launched into big concepts, only to be hit by the harsh reality that this endeavor was more of a team dance than a solo act. My ambitious designs and proposals quickly took a backseat.
Early Realizations
Epic Scale of the Platform
Maersk’s supply chain is akin to climbing Mount Everest, featuring countless workflows, diverse user behaviors, and multiple languages to navigate.
A Multiverse of Teams Involved
Each team has its own roadmap and aspirations for the year. It’s like navigating a Marvel multiverse of collaboration and conflict where different visions come together—sometimes harmoniously, sometimes not.
The 'Eureka!' Moments
From screens to user flows
I had a tendency to add new screens for every feature. This approach led to a maze-like UI that was neither swift nor efficient. I realized that understanding user journeys first allows us to design with a clear route, making every task feel like a scenic drive.
Collaboration is Key
I prioritize consistent feedback from my design team to enhance collaboration and ensure design consistency. Involving engineers from the outset helps pinpoint technical constraints and validate design feasibility. By closely collaborating with product owners, I ensure that my designs align with both business objectives and user needs.
SOLUTIONS
Challenges Addressed Through My Research & Design Solutions
Due to my NDA, I cannot showcase all my work publicly. However, I’ve developed mock designs that represent my contributions to NSCP. For security reasons, these designs are password-protected.
Testing the Waters
Our design team meets weekly to share ideas and fine-tune each other’s designs, harmonizing our efforts to strike the perfect chord with end users across the entire platform.
How we roll
Functional + Business requirements + User research
Ideate + Design + BRD
Test + Iterate + Sprint Plan
Execute + UAT + User feedback + Quick fixes/Backlog
Release + Hypercare, rinse, repeat...
Kicking Off Onboarding for Our Titans
As we prepared for this milestone for Maersk, our tech team found ourselves anxious about the system’s usability and stability.
Predictably our Usability scores took a 4% dip
But this transition represents a tectonic shift in workflow for both our external and internal users. It will take time to adapt while our tech and design teams smooth out any bumps.
Our Next Strategic Plan as a Design Team
Offer value that solves a user’s problem
The experience should be easy and clear without errors.
experience
When everything works flawlessly without users even noticing it.
A Milestone Achieved
The moment we all waited for arrived—the very first container planned in NSCP was delivered on October 20th, 2023. We were elated as a team and understood the global impact of our work
Metrics Matter! Maersk - The Global Integrator
Maersk is an integrated logistics company working to connect and simplify its customers’ supply chains. As a global leader in logistics services, we serve over 100,000 customers:
At Maersk, dedication is rewarded
I earned the STAR award for transforming research and design within NSCP, recognized for enhancing user experience with quality output. This version tells your story in a more engaging way while maintaining clarity and flow throughout each section.
