John Howrey
Design Leader
Contact
CURRENTLY DigitalOcean
PREVIOUSLY
SCAD
IBM
Skeptic
Philographica
Selbert Perkins Design


Empowerment by Design
The Democratization of AI Set Up

The Watson Candidate Assistant faced a critical challenge: its traditional, service-heavy setup process required extensive customization for each client. This approach was unsustainable, time-intensive, and inaccessible to non-technical users. The result? Lengthy installation times and frustrated users, limiting the product’s adoption and scalability.


APPROACHI spearheaded a cross-functional initiative to redesign the setup experience, shifting from developer-led customization to a scalable, self-service model. Partnering with the Offering Manager and involving a diverse team from design, development, support, and sales, we pursued a bold vision to democratize the AI setup process, empowering users of all technical backgrounds.
Our strategy included: Iterative Design Sprints: Testing and refining prototypes based on constant user feedback.IBM Carbon Framework: Leveraging a modern design system to create a future-ready, intuitive UI.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Aligning stakeholders on a user-first approach, focusing on accessibility and simplicity.SOLUTIONThe resulting Watson Talent Self-Service Admin Tool transformed the setup process into an empowering, app-like experience. Key innovations included:
  1. A guided setup interface enabling users to configure the product themselves without technical assistance.
  2. Educational tooltips and in-app guidance to foster confidence and reduce errors.
  3. Scalable features that supported customization while maintaining simplicity.

This shift fundamentally redefined the product, making it more accessible and user-friendly while significantly reducing dependency on technical teams.
IMPACT
The results of this transformation were profound:
  • Reduced installation times by over 90%, from several weeks to just a few days.
  • Enhanced user satisfaction, as reported in post-implementation surveys.
  • Enabled internal teams to focus on innovation and value-add features rather than repetitive setups.
  • Positioned Watson Candidate Assistant as a leader in user-friendly AI applications, driving broader adoption and engagement.
TAKEAWAYSThis project underscored the transformative power of design in fostering user empowerment. By prioritizing inclusivity and user autonomy, we not only solved a pressing operational issue but also set a new standard for interaction design in AI. The Watson Talent Self-Service Admin Tool is now a blueprint for how user-centered design can democratize complex technologies, making them accessible to all.

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