The Brief
Take a server-installed application designed over 10 years ago for desktop functionality only, and design it also for the cloud and the multiple smartphone, tablet and desktop devices that creatives now utilise.
Streamtime is a solution that 10,000 people across 30 countries rely on everyday to run their creative businesses. Our clients are also designers and creatives, so the look of the interface is vital to its success. The functionality also has to replicate the needs of these creative businesses, allowing them access to the mission-critical information they need while on-the-go.
An emphasis needed to be placed on ease-of-use and simplification of the existing complex workflows found in a busy, dynamic studio.
The Idea
Create a beautifully simple web app that will dovetail into Streamtime’s studio-based server software, allowing users to access their quotes and jobs, do their timesheets and other necessary functions from anywhere at anytime, on any device – with an emphasis on touch-based technology.
The Execution
The experience principle of 'simplicity, speed, and ease' guided the visual and interaction design. Key features of this app were reversing the ‘mundane’ nature often associated with timesheets, updating quotes and jobs – making them appealing and enjoyable.
The design took a mobile-first approach, initially with a bias towards touch-screen smartphones. Our team then added in responsive breakpoints for tablets and desktop devices, allowing a seamless user experience for any sized screen accessing the system.
With the prevalence of smaller, touch-screen devices, it was imperative that the menus, buttons, etc, functioned with ease, but more importantly, we needed to redesign the content order, purposely limiting the amount of information users would need to enter for a distraction free interface, while progressively revealing more details as they required.
The initial research done with key clients, allowed many intelligent details to be imbedded. For example, when adding a time entry in desktop mode, the search input defaults to active so the user can start typing and find tasks quickly, however in tablet or smartphone mode this default is removed so the keyboard doesn't get in the way, allowing the user to simply scroll and tap rather than being forced to use or dismiss the keyboard.
The Evidence
The true test of any new interface design is the uptake and experience feedback. We are immensely proud that a third of Streamtime’s client base began using the new interface within a few months of its launch and continues to steadily increase – however the feedback has been our greatest success indicator.
Take a server-installed application designed over 10 years ago for desktop functionality only, and design it also for the cloud and the multiple smartphone, tablet and desktop devices that creatives now utilise.
Streamtime is a solution that 10,000 people across 30 countries rely on everyday to run their creative businesses. Our clients are also designers and creatives, so the look of the interface is vital to its success. The functionality also has to replicate the needs of these creative businesses, allowing them access to the mission-critical information they need while on-the-go.
An emphasis needed to be placed on ease-of-use and simplification of the existing complex workflows found in a busy, dynamic studio.
The Idea
Create a beautifully simple web app that will dovetail into Streamtime’s studio-based server software, allowing users to access their quotes and jobs, do their timesheets and other necessary functions from anywhere at anytime, on any device – with an emphasis on touch-based technology.
The Execution
The experience principle of 'simplicity, speed, and ease' guided the visual and interaction design. Key features of this app were reversing the ‘mundane’ nature often associated with timesheets, updating quotes and jobs – making them appealing and enjoyable.
The design took a mobile-first approach, initially with a bias towards touch-screen smartphones. Our team then added in responsive breakpoints for tablets and desktop devices, allowing a seamless user experience for any sized screen accessing the system.
With the prevalence of smaller, touch-screen devices, it was imperative that the menus, buttons, etc, functioned with ease, but more importantly, we needed to redesign the content order, purposely limiting the amount of information users would need to enter for a distraction free interface, while progressively revealing more details as they required.
The initial research done with key clients, allowed many intelligent details to be imbedded. For example, when adding a time entry in desktop mode, the search input defaults to active so the user can start typing and find tasks quickly, however in tablet or smartphone mode this default is removed so the keyboard doesn't get in the way, allowing the user to simply scroll and tap rather than being forced to use or dismiss the keyboard.
The Evidence
The true test of any new interface design is the uptake and experience feedback. We are immensely proud that a third of Streamtime’s client base began using the new interface within a few months of its launch and continues to steadily increase – however the feedback has been our greatest success indicator.
