Revamping Glific: Transforming the User Experience for 100+ NGOs
At Tech4Dev, I took on the mission to lead the comprehensive transformation of Glific, an open-source SaaS platform based on WhatsApp Business API, enabling over 100 NGOs to build chatbots that interact with millions of beneficiaries monthly. My role as an Associate Product Manager was pivotal in modernizing Glific’s interface and spearheading its evolution into a more intuitive, efficient, and scalable solution for social impact.
Project Overview: Elevating User Engagement through Design
The design overhaul of the Glific platform was not just a cosmetic upgrade; it was a fundamental shift in how users interacted with the platform. As the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for our design partner, Think201, I drove the project with two main objectives:
- Modernize the platform’s UI/UX to align with the latest design trends.
- Optimize the user experience to make navigation seamless and intuitive for NGOs, ensuring that every interaction added real value.
From initiating the project to final implementation, I managed the design and development processes, ensuring that we delivered a user-centric platform that improved engagement across the board.
Navigating the UI/UX Transformation
Collaboration with Design Partners
- Connected with the UI/UX design team from Think201 2 times per week to ideate, refine, and finalize designs for over 100 screens.
- Orchestrated multiple versions of the platform design, focusing on logical arrangements and feature placement that resonated with user behavior.
- Streamlined feedback loops with leadership and stakeholders to ensure that each design iteration was aligned with the overarching product vision.
Highlights of the UI/UX Redesign
Home Page Revamp: Transformed a cluttered interface into a logically organized layout, making it intuitive for users to find features exactly where they would expect them.
Settings Page Optimization: Consolidated settings into a unified panel to eliminate the need for multiple page loads, significantly boosting response time and enhancing the user experience.
Contact Profile Enhancement: Introduced clear categorization and structured information display, making the contact profile page more intuitive and user-friendly.
These changes collectively resulted in a more engaging and visually appealing platform, elevating the overall experience for our NGO partners and their beneficiaries.
The Process: Bringing the Vision to Life
- Design Finalization: The complete design overhaul for all screens took around two months, with regular reviews and updates provided to stakeholders for seamless alignment.
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Led the coordination between design, development, and leadership, ensuring that every piece of feedback was integrated into the platform without compromising on quality or timelines.
- Constant Iteration: Through continuous user testing and iteration, we ensured that every modification directly contributed to enhancing the usability and effectiveness of the platform.
Integrating Advanced Technologies
While modernizing the UI/UX, I also led the integration of ChatGPT and Bhashini ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) APIs into Glific. This move amplified the platform’s capabilities, enhancing language processing accuracy and increasing user engagement significantly.
Impact Highlights
- Boosted Platform Engagement: Achieved a substantial increase in user engagement by making Glific more intuitive and efficient for NGOs to use.
- Increased Efficiency: Reduced the average time taken to set up and deploy chatbots, enabling NGOs to interact with beneficiaries more effectively.
- Seamless Integration of AI: The successful integration of AI technologies led to improved language processing capabilities, making chatbot interactions smoother and more accurate.
Driving Data-Driven Decision Making
- Data Analytics Dashboards: Designed and developed interactive data analytics dashboards using Looker Studio, collaborating with data engineers to empower NGOs with data-driven insights.
- Strategic Implementation: Implemented agile methodologies and optimized reporting structures, reducing reporting time significantly across multiple organizations.
From Vision to Execution: Orchestrating Success at Tech4Dev
One of my most significant achievements at Tech4Dev was securing $500,000 in grants from Cisco’s CSR initiative by crafting a compelling grant proposal in collaboration with leadership. This funding enabled us to push the boundaries of tech-driven social initiatives, expanding our reach and impact.
A Journey of Growth and Transition
My journey at Tech4Dev wasn’t just about redesigning a platform; it was about transforming how NGOs leverage technology to drive social impact. This role solidified my skills in end-to-end product management, leadership, and innovative problem-solving. When I saw the systems were in place and the foundation was solid, my passion for Web3 and blockchain technology led me to transition into the exciting world of KoineArth, where I could bring my product expertise to new heights.
Key Takeaways
- Leadership in Innovation: Successfully led a platform redesign that enhanced the user experience for 100+ NGOs, proving my ability to manage high-impact projects from concept to launch.
- Agility in Execution: Demonstrated the ability to adapt and deliver under challenging timelines, ensuring that every aspect of the product development lifecycle was meticulously executed.
- Commitment to Social Impact: My experience with Tech4Dev is a testament to my dedication to using technology as a force for good, delivering solutions that positively impact communities worldwide.