the challenge

the challenge

the challenge

A data-heavy SaaS platform faced critical usability issues caused by a complex, outdated information architecture. Users struggled with cognitive overload, inefficient navigation, and lengthy onboarding.

my role

my role

my role

Led a six-month redesign initiative to restructure the platform’s information architecture based on user workflows and JTBD insights - a core focus within the broader beta platform redesign I led as Lead Product Designer in the design team.

Designing Clarity: Reshaping Information Architecture for Better UX

From Complexity to Clarity:
Reshaping Information Architecture for Better UX

Before

Outdated design and fragmented structure from years of patchwork development.

After

Complete new re-design of UI, Information Architecture, and overall User Experience.

created impact

Faster Onboarding

Faster
Onboarding

Reduced onboarding time by introducing intuitive, task-driven navigation using familiar patterns and improved in-platform guidance.

Boosted Efficiency

Boosted
Efficiency

Increased user efficiency by streamlining content and reducing cognitive load -addressing the time-pressured environment our users operate in, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction.

Scalable Design

Scalable
Design

Established a scalable, component-based system that reinforced the redesigned information architecture through consistent patterns and clearer content hierarchy.

Understanding the status-quo

Understanding
the status-quo

Uncovering navigation insights through workflow mapping and JTBD analysis.

Goal: Aligning the findings with our product vision and design principles

- Aligned product direction by collaborating with Customer Success and Sales
- Improved feature adoption through on-site visits and data-driven workflow insights
- Enhanced information architecture by identifying user logic via card sorting exercises



Uncovering navigation insights through workflow mapping and JTBD analysis.

Goal: Aligning the findings with our product vision and design principles

- Aligned product direction by collaborating with Customer Success and Sales
- Improved feature adoption through on-site visits and data-driven workflow insights
- Enhanced information architecture by identifying user logic via card sorting exercises.

Competing hierarchies = Cognitive overload

Competing hierarchies
= Cognitive overload

Competing hierarchies = Cognitive overload

Overwhelming

Unnecessary information distracts from the task at hand.

Misaligned

Lack of personalization in workflows increases churn.

Stress & Frustration

Information overload leads to stress, errors, and lack of clarity.

a quick, color-coded analysis highlights issues at a glance

a quick,

color-coded analysis

highlights issues

at a glance

Developed a new beta platform design
with restructured content

Developed a new
beta platform design
with restructured content

Developed a new beta platform design
with restructured content

save it once, use it always

By introducing customizable views, users can save and switch between personalized data presets - avoiding the need to repeatedly reapply filters or adjust columns. This prevents information overload by keeping each table purpose-driven and focused.

We default to showing data points deemed most relevant for the user profile, based on usage data.

Customization vs. Personalization:
Customization occurs when users actively choose and adjust settings to tailor their experience - this requires effort and a higher cognitive load.

In contrast, personalization anticipates users' needs and automatically delivers relevant experiences, reducing friction and enhancing usability.

clarity on demand

To reduce information overload, we introduced a drawer that reveals additional details on demand. Previously, all information was displayed at once, overwhelming users. By categorizing content into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, we surfaced only what’s essential.

contextual choices, clearer paths

Users were overwhelmed by too many irrelevant actions at once. I streamlined the flow by revealing options contextually - guiding users step by step, and reducing decision fatigue.

simplifying large data sets with smart filtering

Handling large data sets requires an effective filtering system -something that was missing in the previous design. I introduced a comprehensive, in-depth filter, a familiar and expected pattern for table interactions.

Other key improvements

Other key improvements

Significant information reduction via dynamic menus

Moved the horizontal main menu to the left for a dynamic sliding in/out experience.
Created a new reading structure from left to right for improved flow.
Introduced sub-menu points for better content organization and scalability.

Switched to clean tables, replacing lists for better clarity

Replaced a click-through list with a table to display key product data.
Added a drawer for easy access to product details on demand.
Improved user efficiency and provided a personalized overview by introducing a search, filter, and column selector.

Aligned content structure with user flow

Analyzed user work processes and journeys to inform content presentation.
Organized content in a flow that guides users while showcasing expertise, e.g. suggesting next steps for action.
Created a seamless user experience by incorporating familiar patterns from widely used platforms.

Key learnings

Key learnings

Redesigns are change management. Leading a core redesign within a beta launch required aligning cross-functional teams and navigating resistance to change.

Prototyping IA pays off. Early tree tests and flow simulations helped validate structural decisions before full implementation, saving time and effort downstream.

Don't forget to have fun during the process :-)

Charlotte Kleckers

Copenhagen