Now DigitalOcean

Previous SCAD
IBM
Skeptic
Philographica
Selbert Perkins

 howrey’s to-do list
  • Amplify the Echoes of Personalization
  • Transform Technology
  • Paint a Canvas of Interactions
  • Ensure Resonance Beyond Function
  • Marry Precision with Passion
  • Craft Memorable Experiences
  • Give Voice to Design
  • Look Beyond the Click
  • Embrace the Extraordinary
  • Feel and Foster Impact


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empowerment by designThe democratization of ai interactions

Our design transformed the cumbersome, traditional setup process into an empowering, app-like experience, slashing installation times by over 90% and significantly enhancing user satisfaction.

My Role
Creative Direction
Design Production
Content Strategy
Project Management
Process Consultation
Tags
Information Architecture
User Research
Project Management
Digital Asset Production
Design Renovation
Business Turn Around
E-Comm


Revolutionizing the Watson Candidate Assistant with a self-service admin tool that empowers users and dramatically reduces setup time.



Our design transformed the cumbersome, traditional setup process into an empowering, app-like experience, slashing installation times by over 90% and significantly enhancing user satisfaction.



We shifted from a service-heavy approach to a user-led configuration, enabling customers to take charge of their setups, fostering a sense of ownership and success.



The new interface leverages IBM's Carbon framework, introducing a future-ready UI that elevates user interactions and internal team dynamics.



The inception of the Watson Talent Self-Service Admin Tool began in a strategic meeting with the Offering Manager for Watson Candidate Assistant. Despite the product's potential, the excessive customization required for each client installation was unsustainable. Recognizing the urgency, I spearheaded a transformative approach—shifting from individual customization to a scalable, self-service model. This pivot was not just about enhancing a single product but about innovating the entire Watson Talent Ecosystem. We assembled a cross-functional team unprecedented in its diversity, involving design, development, support, sales, and more. Through iterative design sprints and constant user feedback, we transformed the user experience. Our collaboration and user-centered design approach reduced implementation times drastically and shifted our team's focus from repetitive setups to innovative features, aligning perfectly with the emerging IBM Carbon framework.



The journey of developing the Watson Talent Self-Service Admin Tool began not just with a vision for a product, but with a commitment to change how interaction design is perceived and implemented within complex systems like AI. The project was born from a crucial realization: the power of technology should not be confined to those with deep technical knowledge but should be accessible to all. By democratizing the setup process, we were challenging the status quo—moving the needle on user interactions by shifting control from developers to the end users themselves, regardless of their technical expertise.





This transformation goes beyond simplifying technical setups; it touches on the very philosophy of design. How do we, as designers, ensure that our creations are not merely tools but are also empowerers? In the early days of AI, where the potential is vast yet often gated by complexity, our approach was a bold statement on the necessity for inclusivity. We provided a framework that was not only intuitive but also respectful of the user's autonomy, thereby setting a new standard for user-centered design in AI applications.

The implications of this shift are profound. By empowering users, we foster a deeper engagement with the technology, enhancing not only their immediate experience but also their long-term relationship with the product. This project was a step towards a future where design is not just about aesthetics or function but is fundamentally about empowerment and accessibility. Our work with the Watson Talent Self-Service Admin Tool serves as a blueprint for how design can and should evolve in the age of AI, pushing boundaries and challenging designers to think critically about the role their work plays in shaping user agency and technological democratization.




Client: IBM
Sector: Technology, Talent Management, AI, SaaS
Discipline: UX/UI Design, Product Strategy, Facilitation, Vision
Collaborators: Offering Management, Development Teams, Designers, User Researchers