SHiFT Scheduler app

Desktop App Design

This was a personal project for me to create, while working at NIKE I had an idea to solve multiple aspects of avoidable miscommunication in the NIKE retail store. The problem was that the stores management of employees was done via a whatsapp group, shifts were sent as screenshot of an excel document with everyone’s hours. Also, there was no avenue to see total hours worked, request vacation or to swap shifts if needed one would have to reach out each person and ask.

After conducting my user research, I figured out a user friendly way to convey to managers shift requests, vacation requests from staff while also being able to check elapsed hours worked and chat with all current employees. This will save each staff the hassle of emailing their availability every 2 weeks to the manager.

SHiFT lets managers approve or modify requested shifts in a few clicks and the confirmed dates integrate with your personal calendar.

Case Study: SHiFT

Project Overview

Project: SHiFT

Objective: Develop a desktop application to streamline employee shift management and communication at NIKE retail stores.

Role: UI/UX Designer

Tools: Figma, Adobe Photoshop

Project Dynamic: Solo project

Deliverables: High-fidelity mockups and wireframes for the desktop app.

Problem Statement

The current system of managing employee shifts at NIKE retail stores involves sending shifts via a WhatsApp group using screenshots of an Excel document. This method is inefficient, prone to miscommunication, and lacks functionality for employees to view total hours worked, request vacations, or swap shifts easily.

Research and Discovery

User Needs:

  • A user-friendly interface to view and manage shifts.

  • Ability to request vacation, swap shifts, and track total hours worked.

  • Efficient communication tools for managers and employees.

User Research:

  • Conducted interviews with NIKE retail staff and managers to identify pain points.

  • Gathered feedback on current shift management practices and desired improvements.

Key Insights

  • Employees need a centralized platform to view shifts, request changes, and communicate with managers.

  • Managers require a streamlined process to approve or modify shifts and track employee hours.

Design Process

1. Ideation and Conceptualization:

  • Brainstormed solutions to address identified pain points.

  • Sketched initial design concepts focusing on usability and functionality.

2. Low-fidelity Prototyping:

  • Created wireframes to outline the app’s structure and user flow.

  • Ensured the design addressed the main user needs for shift management and communication.

3. High-fidelity Prototyping:

  • Developed high-fidelity mockups with a clean and intuitive interface.

  • Key Features:

    • Shift Management: Employees can view and request shifts, and see total hours worked.

    • Vacation Requests: Easy submission and approval of vacation requests.

    • Shift Swapping: Users can request to swap shifts, with approval from managers.

    • Communication Tools: Built-in chat feature for communication between staff and managers.

4. User Testing:

  • Conducted usability testing with NIKE retail staff and managers.

  • Iterated on the designs based on feedback to enhance usability and functionality.

Key Features

  • Centralized Shift Management: All shift-related information in one place.

  • User-friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design for easy navigation.

  • Integrated Calendar: Confirmed shifts integrate with personal calendars.

  • Communication Tools: In-app chat for seamless communication.

Results and Impact

  • Improved Efficiency: Streamlined shift management process, reducing miscommunication.

  • Enhanced User Experience: Positive feedback from users appreciating the ease of use and functionality.

  • Time Savings: Significant reduction in time spent managing and communicating shifts.

Reflections and Learnings

  • The importance of understanding user needs through comprehensive research.

  • The value of iterative design and testing to refine the user experience.

  • The impact of a well-designed app on improving workplace efficiency and communication.

Conclusion

The SHiFT Scheduler App project successfully addressed the inefficiencies in shift management at NIKE retail stores. By focusing on user needs and providing a user-friendly interface, the app improved communication, reduced mismanagement, and enhanced overall efficiency.

Link to High-fidelity Mockups and Wireframes:

Live Preview

Notes and Sketches

Design Discovery Phase