Jackie Wu

Project Description

Message Boards across the AOL properties were being updated in this version. The main goal of this version was to introduce a good navigation model which allowed boards to be shared by different products within AOL (e.g. TV, Music, Sport properties). We also wanted to provide a way for users to access their favorite boards easily.

Contribution

Design Solution
As a remedy to better navigation, I designed a breadcrumb navigational system. We decided to focus and improve the breadcrumb and its logic so it would be applicable regardless users' entry point, as they could access this product from any AOL property. I also designed a way for users to save or "mark" the boards that they interact with the most. This enabled users to easily access their favorite boards. In addition to the navigation and personalization, I also introduced a new rating system to the product that allowed users to give a different type of feedback with the product.
 
Design Lead
This is the first project that I led the design from beginning to the end. I worked directly with the product and development team that was located in the East Coast. I worked closely with product to ensure that the design matched the product vision through the mocks. When engineering began implementing I worked closely with them to ensure that they understood the design specifications so they could build as easy as possible. To add an interesting complication, the QA team was located in India, where I had to ensure that they understood the product and design specifications so that they could do their job properly.

• Message boards search and message UI:

    

• Message board categories:

  

Highlights

• I only increased new ways to communicate effectively. Working with a dispersed team, including part of the team located in India, was a brand new experience. Not only did we have to overcome the time difference, we had to overcome communication barriers. With the help of technology we used all methods available to us: email, IM, and teleconferences. All parts of the team had to be more diligent in following up with each other. I was able to develop written communication skills that worked within this product team.