modernizing a legacy ui
the problem
Addressing Legacy Systems in Competitive Industries
Mature companies often grapple with legacy products that, while familiar, become burdensome in competitive industries. Outdated systems aren't just a matter of age; they frequently entail complex, rigid structures that are difficult for new users to learn and navigate.
Beyond usability, the hidden costs of maintaining these systems are significant: sparse documentation, struggles to meet current compliance standards, and most critically, a diminished user experience. Over time, these issues create barriers to adaptability, putting companies at risk of falling behind competitors who offer agile, user-friendly solutions.
Tackling these challenges calls for a strategic balance of modernization and innovation—streamlining processes, investing in user-centered design, and ensuring that the product not only meets today’s demands but is also built to evolve with future needs.
redline during initial mock stages
the process
I collaborated closely with the team to develop a comprehensive design system within a strict timeline. To meet both design and development objectives, we started with a heuristic review and re-evaluated the user journey based on real user feedback.
Our primary goal was to standardize UI components across the platform to provide a consistent and accessible experience for both new and existing users. This included updating input fields to modern UI standards and addressing accessibility needs, such as implementing color-blind friendly options. Once the baseline design elements were finalized, I documented all changes in a style guide to clearly mark the transition from legacy to the new design.
In addition, I delivered detailed wireframes, technical specifications, and redlines to ensure the development process was aligned 1:1 with the design vision. These materials provided the foundation for sprint work, while regular design reviews helped maintain alignment across teams, assist with story mapping, and refine QA processes.
the impact
the same treatment was given throughout the app
Optimizing Product Development through a Scalable Design System
With a well-defined design system and consistent UX patterns, product development time saw significant reductions. The reusability of components and accessible documentation on the look and feel allowed for rapid iteration and a smoother development process. This standardization also streamlined QA automation, as standardized inputs were easier to test, reducing both time and complexity.
The design overhaul simplified workflows, which improved usability scores and boosted user satisfaction. Feedback indicated that users felt the updates marked a meaningful improvement over the legacy product, demonstrating the system's impact on usability and overall product quality.