2022 - On going - Product Manager and Product Designer
Bloom
Environment and social impact platform
Create a platform that contributes to the development of protocols for measuring socio-environmental impact, as well as assisting the international community and large companies in discussing and sharing relevant information with each other.
Client
Impact Transform
(Sponsored by - Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, and others)
(Sponsored by - Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, and others)
Duration
On Going
Tools
Figma - Jira - Miro
Roles
Product Manager
Product Designer
Product Designer
Project Includes
Discovery
Design thinking
Blueprints
Roadmaps
Versioning
Wireframes
High fidelity prototype
Agile (Kanban)
Design thinking
Blueprints
Roadmaps
Versioning
Wireframes
High fidelity prototype
Agile (Kanban)
Client’s story
IMPACT transforms the management of natural resources in regions vulnerable to security and human rights challenges. Through rigorous investigations, they pioneer innovative approaches to enhance the utilization of resources, fostering security, sustainable development, and equality. Operating as an autonomous non-profit, IMPACT strategically collaborates with local partners to ensure enduring positive change. By maintaining independence and forming meaningful partnerships, IMPACT is dedicated to creating a lasting impact in communities facing critical challenges.
The problem
Currently, when companies - of different sizes - seek to deepen their understanding of the socio-environmental impact of their logistics chain, the cost for such efforts is high, and the results are not always satisfactory. Among the tools used for such measurements, one of the main ones is "The 17 goals," also known as SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals); 17 metrics created by the UN to ensure the achievement of important targets for the sustainable development of humanity. Based on this tool, Impact's scientists conducted extensive research over several years to develop a new methodology for creating protocols for measuring socio-environmental impact. And we needed to turn this into a viable product.
My Solution
We developed a comprehensive platform designed to incorporate essential features for crafting diverse protocols. This platform goes beyond by facilitating seamless data sharing directly with field collection platforms, enabling not only individual users but also teams and companies to engage with the platform's outputs. Throughout a 6-month process, we meticulously designed over 700 screens, refining each iteration. In addition to the framework creation tool for developing protocols, we established a social environment to foster discussions among enthusiasts, elevating the ease of sharing crucial information within the community.
Setting the context
A significant aspect of Impact's work involves interpreting all the information gathered by the field team, linked to SDGs and other frameworks. The result is a complex analysis conducted by its team, a process that incurs substantial costs and is heavily time-consuming. The goal is to assist users in comprehending the impacts their production chain is causing in the explored areas. Moreover, most regular users, who lack access to extensive resources, often find it challenging to create their own frameworks. Hence, there is a need to utilize pre-existing solutions that may not always align perfectly with their specific requirements.
Understanding the current situation
Thus, we confronted three interconnected challenges that formed a central scenario: the prohibitive cost and complexity for companies to develop their own socio-environmental impact measurement protocols, limited information accessibility for resource-constrained users, and the considerable cost burden for Impact. In response, we conceived a platform proposal that bifurcates between the user interface and the back office. The implementation of the back office was deemed essential to empower Impact in crafting analyses using user-submitted data, facilitating the delivery of comprehensive impact assessments.
Designing the processes
The first phase of crafting the application entailed immersing ourselves in and comprehending the extensive research that laid the foundation for our creation. This involved understanding the origins of the information and how data intersections could yield a new and valuable output for the end user. Furthermore, we needed to ascertain the feasibility of seamless connectivity with field data collection platforms while ensuring, right from the start, the robust security of sensitive information belonging to both users and companies. In this stage, I conducted user interviews with key figures, including the individual overseeing the execution and delivery of Impact's analyses, individuals actively engaged in field research within communities facing extreme exploitation in regions like Congo and Ivory Coast. Additionally, I interviewed the Global Director of Logistics at Apple to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the needs of all stakeholders involved in the process.
Validate the first mock-ups
The iteration process was repetitive and demanding, given that we were dealing with an extremely meticulous and detailed quality of information. Any significant detail overlooked during this phase would have a direct impact on the application's development in the future. Consequently, the time invested in creating wireframes was minimal, as they did not convey the necessary complexity to translate and explain our intentions effectively. Therefore, it became essential to adopt a different approach, deviating from certain steps outlined in the Agile model, and choosing to do what was necessary to ensure that Impact and its collaborators had the essential information to approve our progress.
Creating high fidelity screens
Right from the inception, our team was driven by the aspiration to present a meticulously crafted high-fidelity prototype. Our primary goal was to create an immersive experience for stakeholders, one that would closely emulate the navigation intricacies of the forthcoming application. Throughout the development process, we remained steadfast in our commitment to delivering a product that not only met the expectations of our clients but also surpassed the rigorous standards we set for ourselves. In essence, our journey towards crafting this prototype was not just a professional endeavor but a personal commitment to achieving a level of quality and immersion that surpassed conventional expectations. Our emphasis on refinement and attention to detail, even in the final stages, exemplifies our dedication to creating a product that stands as a testament to our collective passion and expertise. You can check out the full prototype down below.
Conclusion
This project has unfolded over time, and our journey has been marked by various challenges, including a prolonged period of stakeholder silence lasting over 2 months, the intricate nature of the information we grappled with, and a staggering 400+ hours invested in alignment meetings. Despite these hurdles, the ultimate result fills me with immense satisfaction.
Presently, the project is actively progressing through its developmental phase and has found utility in select communities along the Ivory Coast, where Impact teams and their partners are employing it to validate our efforts. The outcomes thus far have exceeded expectations, painting a picture of success.
In my ongoing role as the Product Manager, I remain deeply involved in the development process, ensuring the team delivers outputs of the highest quality and precision. The imminent launch of the application to the general public is on the horizon, promising to bring the fruits of our labor to a broader audience.
