Peripheral Manager
Overview
Users managing multiple peripherals often need to download separate software for each device, making the process more complex. To tackle this issue, I took charge of the product planning from the ground up, using in-depth design research to create a unified peripheral management software.
Duration
Dec, 2023 - Aug, 2024
Team
1 UX Designer, 2 Product Manager
My Role
UX Designer
- Planned the product framework and key features.
- Conducted competitor analysis, Voice of Customer research, user testing, and focus group workshops.
- Developed information architecture and designed wireflows.
Background
When users own multiple peripherals, they have to download separate software for each device to adjust customized settings, which complicates device management and increases the learning curve. To address this issue, the UX team aimed to design a unified peripheral management software that enables office workers to manage their devices conveniently, connect multiple devices, and set up automations for specific scenarios to streamline their workflows.
Objective
Design a product framework and define key features for peripheral management software, enabling seamless device management and customization.
Including customization functions for an upcoming product, an ergonomic mouse.
Main Challenge: Initiating Product Planning from Scratch
The most challenging aspect was initiating the product framework planning and research entirely from scratch, as this was a new business venture and the product team was still in the early exploratory phase with many unknowns at that time.
Identified Key Features through Competitive Analysis
The primary purpose of designing the Peripheral Manager was to integrate device settings and connect multiple devices for automated scenarios. To achieve this, I analyzed 11 competitors offering device settings and automation features, focusing on user interface and setup processes. Through this competitive analysis, I identified three key features of peripheral management software.
Moreover, I gained a thorough understanding of the processes about connecting and managing devices. These insights informed the development of the information architecture and wireflows in my proposal.
Discovered Unmet Needs through Voice of Customer Research
To uncover users’ pain points with peripheral management software, I conducted Voice of Customer Research by analyzing comments and discussions on Reddit and YouTube about current solutions. Furthermore, to identify unmet user needs that current ergonomic mice have not addressed, I used Shulex, a VOC AI tool, to analyze Amazon reviews of competitive products. Through the research, I observed the following issues and came up with relevant suggestions.
1. Most Users Prefer Setting up Devices without Signing in
Most users prefer to set up devices without signing into an account on the software.
My Suggestion
- Allow users to access the Peripheral Manager without signing in by default.
- Users need to sign in only when accessing personalized settings, security features, or paid services.
2. Software Download Issues due to Workplace Internet or Device Restrictions
Some users are unable to download the software to customize their device settings on company-provided laptops due to Wi-Fi limitations in their work environments or restrictions on downloading external software for security reasons.
My Suggestion
- Incorporate integrated memory into the hardware.
- Develop a web application for customization settings as potential solutions.
3. Scroll Wheel Issues Are a Key Concern
From one-star Amazon reviews, I discovered that the scroll wheel problem is one of the most frequently mentioned issues among users of seven competing ergonomic mice. Some users express a desire for a touchscreen-like scrolling experience with the mouse wheel.
My Suggestion
- Implement smooth wheel scrolling effects and customization options as points of differentiation for our product.
Refined Scroll Wheel Experience with User Testing
I conducted user testing to understand what constitutes a better scrolling experience for users and to identify which customization settings should be designed for the mouse scroll wheel.
Goals
- Understand users’ experiences when scrolling up and down with the MacBook trackpad versus the mouse scroll wheel.
- Explore how differences in these experiences might impact users in their work.
- Gather users’ thoughts and feelings about the smooth scrolling features in competitor software.
Testing Results
- Eight out of ten participants had a positive experience with the trackpad’s scrolling, while six of them mentioned that they disliked the stuck or halted feeling of the mouse scroll wheel.
- The participants suggested that an optimal scrolling experience should ensure precise speed control, seamless hand-eye coordination, and effortless operation.
- For smooth scrolling settings, half of the participants preferred buffering effect and speed curve, while the other half preferred immediacy and precise stop-and-go control.
Based on insights gathered from user testing, I suggested designing a smooth scrolling feature for the customization settings of our ergonomic mouse, using easing functions as a reference. This would allow users to select their preferred smooth scrolling effects.
Uncovered Users’ Motivations through Focus Group Workshops
I conducted two focus group workshops to explore users’ motivations for using peripheral management software, gather their opinions on existing products, and gain contextual insights into their use of the automation function.
From the focus group workshops, I gathered the following findings that helped me design the product framework and develop the automation function.
Motivations to Use Peripheral Management Software
- Customize device settings
- Set up automations
- Control devices remotely
- Track usage information
Reasons to Use Automation Feature
- Avoid to repeatedly perform tasks
- Save time and speed up processes
- Organize complex tasks to enhance efficiency
- Monitor events that are often overlooked but still require attention
Created Product Framework to Define Core Functions
After synthesizing the insights from the previous research, I created a product framework to define the information architecture and outline the essential functions to be included in the Peripheral Manager.
Designed Wireflows to Present the Golden Path
I also designed the key wireflows based on the product framework to present the Golden Path of the peripheral management software.
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Results
The combination of design research and product planning has effectively guided the team toward a feasible and viable direction.
I developed the backbone of the peripheral management software from scratch by defining the product framework and the Golden Path. While many details still need to be finalized and require further planning, the proposed framework has prompted the product team to initiate discussions and advance to the next stage.
Furthermore, my proposal enabled the R&D team to begin researching the development of software and firmware for the ergonomic mouse.
Lessons Learned
This was my first time initiating product planning independently through design research. To me, the design journey felt like carrying a lamp through a dark forest, searching alone for the path forward. Initially, I was uncertain and stressed about the unknown directions. However, as I progressed, I realized that the more research I conducted, the more confident I became. Each step of research informed the next, gradually illuminating the way forward. Through this experience, I learned to embrace uncertainty and witnessed how design can significantly influence the strategies and directions of the product team. Overall, it has been a valuable and transformative experience for me.
