One Data
When One Data, the German AI market leader, called on us to conduct a usability check of its Data Product Builder, we initially found plenty of red Post-its. What started as a specific UX project quickly turned into comprehensive coaching, which led to the creation of the company’s own internal UX/UI team.
“These days, many colleagues are reaching out to us as the UX team. While it’s not always early enough, it’s really striking how mindsets have changed and how the standing of UX has grown. UX&I has helped us achieve this status.”
Founded in 2013, the tech company One Data helps transform data into business value and bring data products to market quickly. The data product builder One Data emerged from contract work, grew increasingly complex, and before any thought was given to the interface, the focus was on the technical foundation (technology framework, tech stack, and basic software functionalities).
There were no dedicated UX specialists in-house, and Google’s Material Design had to serve as a stopgap, even though it was hardly suited for such complex software. As part of a usability initiative, UX&I was commissioned to take a close look at One Data’s UX. And there was a lot to do: from the confusing navigation to the inconsistent brand identity.
Initially, the focus was on functionality and speed. Even though management wanted to improve usability and UX, this was often the first area to face budget cuts. As results began to show, recognition of the value of UX investment in product development grew. Once again, it became clear: don’t just talk the talk: walk the walk, and do it well.
Another fundamental challenge lay in the complexity and feature set of the product itself. Highly complex technical interrelationships and functions had to be made understandable and usable.
Following a heuristic evaluation, we worked together to define work packages and tackled them step by step. Kanban Flight Levels helped us with organization and communication. UX&I served as the first point of contact with the developers.
One overarching goal was to focus more consistently on the users. User story mapping was a method that helped identify and specifically address user needs.
We use Wardley Maps to establish a shared understanding and drive strategic development. Instead of planning the next five years in detail, we refined the product vision and worked through the individual packages one by one. At the same time, we developed a style guide that connects design and development.
Specific interface issues evolved into comprehensive product coaching. Workshops on individual UX components sharpened internal expertise and instilled a UX mindset within the team. At the same time, we supported the development of the internal UX team, for example, by defining roles, establishing processes, and recruiting suitable team members.
“It’s amazing how much has happened at One Data in such a short time. The UX side of things is now in the best hands internally. That gives me a really good feeling.”
We support you from strategy and agile product development all the way to training your team.
Nadine Pieper Senior UX consultant · Berlin
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Nadine Pieper
Senior UX consultant
Berlin
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Product coach
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Managing director at UX&I
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Senior UX consultant
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Customer empowerment lead
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