About the project

IBM Research is the core part of IBM which combines science, innovation, and technology to push the boundaries of our known world. It provides a vast array of cloud or non-cloud based services to its researchers. Compute@Research is a one-stop-shop for researchers to obtain and manage services, read documentation and receive guidance on complex topics.

The problem

Researchers at IBM had to go through a very slow and cumbersome process in order to acquire the services needed to do their experiments. That, combined with lack of sufficient documentation and guidance on complex offerings was a real bottleneck for their scientific advances and therefore, for IBM Research’s success and reputation. In addition, there were no thoroughly defined security steps around installation and management of services, and no proper tracking of cost. IBM was paying too much for, at times, duplicative work. All of the above created the appetite for Compute@Research - a tool for researchers to quickly obtain much needed services, and for managers and business to keep track of expenses and provide guidance and support.

The challenges

• I had to tackle a complex tech field, and learn enough about it to help me design for the target audience;

• Our team was very small, but we had many outside stakeholders and decision-makers, which at times, slowed down our process;

• The team was new to UX, and therefore needed some knowledge-sharing. I had to be a true advocate and evangelist for design;