Websheet

Industry

Technology

Project Type

Web App plugin

Roles

Product Development

Information Architecture

UI / UX Concept Design

Project overview

I worked closely with the Product Owner to re-evaluate key features and recommend solutions to make the Websheet tool more intuitive for users of all skill levels to create websites using a spreadsheet. Taking from common mental models of creating a website using a web builder (as a novice to a skilled user), I pinpointed key workflows, design elements, and structures that were counterintuitive to how these users would typically complete tasks.

High-level outcomes in which I played a role

Reformatting the base spreadsheet structure to reinforce the connection between data, sheets, and blocks
Introducing page editing to allow users to add new pages and manage page blocks all in one place instead of cell by cell. This way, pages and blocks could be easier to visualize as a whole
Recognizing the limitations of design in explaining an advanced feature and recommending a documentation library, suggested syntax in search, and more instructional resources to support users
Improving system feedback status through exploring terminology and timing of notifications during key task flows
Redesigning the sidebar, settings, and edit page UI

More than just semantics

Confusion about the terminology and expected behaviour of features was identified as a potential risk for disrupting users' workflow. With development limitations forcing users to save only some changes while being able to preview others live, it was essential to communicate what actions were possible or necessary, in a transparent manner.

Action bar alert ideas and variations

To work around the limitations of only previewing certain changes live and properly communicating that work must be saved in order to view the new updates, we explored ways to display warning signs. Our goal was to accurately indicate which settings needed to be saved without being overly intrusive.