TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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Introduction
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Product
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Input
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Process
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Output
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Adoption
SUMMARY
Craft Assortment Planning tool with new innovative foundations
Embark on a transformative journey of innovation and elegance as we sculpt a bespoke Assortment Planning tool, blending the artistry of design with the precision of AI technology. This endeavor is not merely about creating a product; it's a testament to our commitment to simplifying complexities. From its inception, our approach has been design-first, ensuring that every feature, every line of code, serves the singular purpose of delivering an intuitive experience to our users. With AI as our guiding muse, we harmonize cutting-edge algorithms with visionary design, crafting a solution that adapts, anticipates, and empowers. This isn't just a tool; it's a masterpiece, a symphony of innovation and simplicity, poised to redefine the landscape of Assortment Planning.
GOALS
Setting Clear Objectives for Success
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Show insights what items we should be stocking in our stores.
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Make this process easy for Assortment Planners to execute
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Deliver $675M Annual incremental sales (DACI + APs)
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Reduce unproductive inventory by $100M in 2023
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Drive 80% adoption across all eligible Business Reviews / Product Line Reviews by Q4 2023 across all functions
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Reduce Stocking errors by ~20% (16,900) by end of Fiscal 2023
TOOLS
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Figma
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Figjam
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Sketch
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Adobe Creative Suite
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Microsoft Office
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Confluence
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Jira
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React
TEAM - 77
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18 - Business Partners
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3 - Subject Matter Experts
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8 - Product Management
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3 - Analytics
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1 - UX Design
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6 - Engineering Management
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3 - Front End Engineering
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15 - Back End Engineering
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14 - Data Science
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3 - Data Engineering
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3 - Scrum
MY ROLE
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Principal UX Designer
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Systems Architect
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Product Guidance
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Lead UX Researcher
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Workshop facilitator
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Design Mentor
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Cross Functional Collaboration
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Lead and Develop Team Working Process
TIMELINE
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Overall: 20+ Months
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Discovery & Research: 10 months
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Design & testing: 10 months
PROBLEM
As a prominent player in the retail sector, Lowe's prioritizes profitability as a cornerstone of its operations. Enhancing profitability hinges on optimizing inventory management to ensure the right products are available in the right stores at the right times. This necessitates a strategic approach that aligns inventory stocking with consumer demand dynamics.
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To achieve this objective, Lowe's can leverage sophisticated analytics and predictive modeling techniques. By analyzing market trends and customer behavior patterns, the company can anticipate demand fluctuations and adjust inventory levels accordingly.
This data-driven approach enables Lowe's to optimize its stocking strategy, thereby maximizing sales potential and profitability. In employing such advanced methodologies, Lowe's reinforces its competitive position within the retail landscape while delivering enhanced value to its stakeholders.
SOLUTION
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, Lowe's endeavors to streamline its assortment management process across its vast network of 1,731 stores. Through a meticulous five-step approach, the company aims to identify and stock the most optimal items in each location, ensuring alignment with customer demand and maximizing profitability.
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The first step entails comprehensive data collection, aggregating insights from various sources including historical sales data, market trends, and customer preferences. Leveraging advanced analytics, the second step involves data analysis to identify patterns and correlations, enabling the identification of high-demand items.
Subsequently, in the third step, predictive modeling techniques are employed to forecast future demand, facilitating proactive inventory planning. In the fourth step, AI algorithms are deployed to optimize assortment planning, recommending the ideal mix of products tailored to each store's unique characteristics and customer demographics.
Finally, the fifth step involves continuous monitoring and refinement, with regular performance evaluations and adjustments based on real-time feedback and market dynamics. Through this systematic approach, Lowe's endeavors to enhance operational efficiency, drive sales growth, and solidify its position as a leader in the retail industry.
WHAT IS ASSORTMENT PLANNING?
Assortment planning is a strategic retail process aimed at optimizing the selection and presentation of products within a store's inventory to meet consumer demand effectively. At its core, assortment planning involves meticulous analysis and decision-making to curate a diverse yet cohesive range of merchandise that aligns with the retailer's target market and objectives.
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Market Analysis: Assessing market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape to inform product selection.
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Inventory Optimization: Balancing stock levels and assortment variety to maximize sales potential while minimizing excess inventory.
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Seasonal Planning: Anticipating seasonal demand fluctuations and adjusting assortments accordingly to capitalize on seasonal trends.
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Space Allocation: Allocating physical space within the store effectively to showcase products and enhance the shopping experience.
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Collaboration: Collaborating with suppliers, vendors, and internal teams to ensure alignment between assortment strategy and supply chain capabilities.
"My Merchant loved that he could change the colors of the stores by himself to single out specific clusters on the Map at any time!!!
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Made it super easy to review with him!"
Jessica - Lead Assortment Planner
PRODUCT BACKGROUND
In response to the evolving landscape of retail demands, Lowe's introduces CAPS, the Cluster and Assortment Planning Suite. Developed as an intuitive assortment planning tool, CAPS aims to streamline the assortment optimization process, facilitating efficient decision-making for Assortment Planners.
By integrating advanced data science methodologies, CAPS empowers planners to measure and analyze performance effectively, driving localization efforts and enhancing productivity through informed item/store stocking decisions.
The overarching objective of CAPS is to revolutionize the assortment planning workflow, fostering productivity enhancements and operational efficiencies by automating various steps of the Business Review (BR) and Product Line Review (PLR) processes.
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At its core, assortment planning is pivotal in determining the optimal selection of items to be stocked at individual stores, tailored to customer preferences and available shelf space for product groups. By leveraging CAPS, Lowe's endeavors to delight customers by ensuring the availability of desired products while maximizing sales and margin potential.
The objectives of CAPS are twofold:
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Firstly, to develop a cutting-edge assortment planning solution that prioritizes user-friendliness, accelerates speed to market, drives localization efforts, and boosts assortment productivity.
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Secondly, CAPS seeks to enhance business user productivity by automating processes and minimizing manual intervention in the PLR/BR workflow.
Through these strategic initiatives, CAPS embodies Lowe's commitment to innovation, efficiency, and customer-centricity in the ever-evolving retail landscape.
OLD CUSTOMER JOURNEY
The old user journey was laden with inefficiencies, and superfluous pages presenting users with a labyrinth of extraneous pages that obstructed their progression. Its convoluted structure lacked a coherent flow, making it challenging for users to navigate seamlessly through the system.
Consequently, the journey suffered from dismal adoption rates, primarily attributed to the significant hurdles users faced in navigating and utilizing the platform effectively. The daunting complexity of the user interface deterred engagement, underscoring the pressing necessity for a redesign aimed at simplifying usability and enhancing the overall user experience.
DISCOVER
This page served as an initial exploration space, aiding in the identification of promising product groups suitable for a Product Line Review (PLR).
SPACE LENS
Although partially developed, this page intended to display available space for each item. However, incomplete backend data rendered the page non-functional for users.
PROJECTS
Acting as a data input hub, users utilized this page to input project-related information, facilitating streamlined project management.
ITEM PLANNING
Dedicated to providing comprehensive item information, this page served as a reference point for users engaging in item-related planning activities.
LEFT / RIGHT
Despite confusing terminology, the purpose of this page was to showcase historical data (Left) and potential outcomes post-assortment (Right), aiding users in informed decision-making.
CLUSTER
Users expressed skepticism regarding the trustworthiness of the system-generated store groupings on this page, hindering their adoption of the tool.
ASSORT
Characterized by overwhelming information and non-functional sliders, this page resembled a cluttered workspace, impeding user comprehension and functionality.
OUTCAP
Designated as the project closure point, this page facilitated the finalization of project-related activities and tasks.
INTAKE REQUESTS
Designed for user feedback submission in case of system issues, this page remained non-operational, limiting user interaction and input.
MERCHANDISE PLANNING
Providing a platform for merchandising plan comparisons, this page facilitated strategic decision-making processes related to merchandise planning initiatives.
DESIGN PROCESS
Based on all the above information. This sounds like a monumental project to undertake.
Where would one start designing? Where did we start? What steps were followed to design a new product?
1. UNDERSTAND
• Business context: the problem to solve
• Build cross functional alliances
2. PLAN
• Research, Insight Discovery
• Define Design Parameters
3. DESIGN
• Low Fidelity Mockups
• High Fidelity Mockups
4. FEEDBACK
• Design Critiques
• Design Iterations
5. REVIEW
• Communicating design value to stakeholders
• Engineering Hand-Off
6. VALIDATE
• End-To-End QA Testing
• Product Launch
NEW CUSTOMER JOURNEY
Assortment Planners pointed out that the Customer Journey isn't simply a straight path; it's more like a circle that keeps repeating. Steps 2, 3, and 4 follow each other, but then they cycle back again. Over the span of the 32 weeks they are working on their project, Assortment Planners continuously collaborate with their partners to determine which items to stock in the store.
They start by gathering information, move on to making decisions, and then refining those decisions based on feedback. This process repeats throughout the project timeline, reflecting the ongoing nature of their work. Therefore, the tools utilized by Assortment Planners need to support this cyclical approach, enabling seamless iteration and adaptation as they navigate the journey.
PROJECT
Establish the foundational framework for your project, delineating key structures and requisite datasets for seamless execution.
WORKBOOK
Strategically select product groups for analysis and meticulously curate item listings to populate the workbook, laying the groundwork for subsequent decision-making processes.
CLUSTER
Employ advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to determine optimal store groupings, leveraging data-driven insights to enhance operational efficiency and strategic alignment.
ASSORT
Harness the power of AI-driven algorithms to discern the most appropriate items for stocking across designated stores, ensuring a tailored approach that maximizes customer satisfaction and sales potential.
PUBLISH
Conduct a comprehensive review of the entire project, scrutinizing item selections and strategic decisions to confirm alignment with organizational objectives and market demands before finalizing stocking decisions for store deployment.
COLLABORATION
Forging Success Through Collaboration
A Multidisciplinary Journey in Product Development
Building a Multifaceted Team
As the project unfolded, it quickly became apparent that the collaborative efforts of a diverse array of stakeholders were indispensable in navigating the inherent challenges of designing and building a product primarily by data scientists. With a multifaceted team comprising Business Partners, Subject Matter Experts, Product Management, Analytics, UX Design, Engineering Management, Front End Engineering, Back End Engineering, Data Science, Data Engineering, and Scrum specialists, each member brought a distinct set of skills and perspectives to the table. However, the initial stages of the project revealed significant gaps in understanding and functionality, underscoring the need for cohesive teamwork and shared learning.
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Strategic Guidance and Domain Expertise
From the outset, Business Partners provided crucial context and requirements, offering insights into market demands and user expectations. This foundational understanding laid the groundwork for subsequent development efforts, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives. Meanwhile, Subject Matter Experts lent their expertise in specific domains, enriching discussions with nuanced insights and practical considerations. Their input was instrumental in guiding decision-making processes, particularly in navigating complex industry landscapes and regulatory requirements.
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Orchestrating the Project
Product Management played a pivotal role in orchestrating the project's trajectory, serving as a conduit between stakeholders and development teams. With a keen focus on market trends, customer needs, and product vision, Product Managers steered the project towards successful outcomes, balancing competing priorities and strategic considerations. Alongside them, Analytics specialists delved into the intricacies of data analysis, uncovering actionable insights and informing data-driven decision-making processes. Their contributions were instrumental in refining product features and optimizing performance based on empirical evidence.
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Crafting User-Centric Experiences
In parallel, UX Design played a central role in shaping the user experience, translating stakeholder requirements and technical constraints into intuitive interfaces and seamless interactions. Through iterative design iterations and user testing, UX Designers ensured that the product resonated with end-users, fostering engagement and satisfaction. Meanwhile, Engineering teams grappled with the technical complexities of implementation, with Front End and Back End Engineers collaborating closely to translate design concepts into functional code. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality were essential in delivering a robust and scalable product architecture.
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Harnessing Data and Agile Methodologies
Data Science and Data Engineering teams tackled the unique challenges posed by the project's data-centric nature, leveraging advanced algorithms and infrastructure to extract actionable insights from complex datasets. Their expertise in machine learning, predictive modeling, and data integration empowered the team to harness the full potential of available data assets, driving informed decision-making and performance optimization. Concurrently, Scrum methodologies provided a framework for agile project management, enabling iterative development cycles and fostering adaptability in response to evolving requirements and feedback.
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Learning and Collaboration
As the project progressed, each iteration of the five distinct pages provided invaluable opportunities for team learning and collaboration. Challenges encountered along the way served as catalysts for innovation and growth, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared accountability. Through open communication channels and cross-functional collaboration, the team overcame obstacles, capitalized on opportunities, and ultimately delivered a product that surpassed initial expectations. This collaborative journey not only yielded a functional and impactful solution but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among team members, laying the foundation for future successes.
NAVIGATING TO SUCCESS
Simplifying User Interactions Through Strategic Navigation Integration
1. STRATEGIC NAVIGATION INTEGRATION
In the development of this product, navigation emerged as a pivotal aspect intertwined with the procedural steps of the user journey. Recognizing the critical role of navigation in simplifying user interactions, the team strategically integrated navigational elements within each step of the process. From initial discovery to final project closure, seamless navigation pathways were meticulously designed to guide users through the product's functionalities with ease and clarity.
2. OVERCOMING STAKEHOLDER RESISTANCE
However, achieving alignment on the importance of navigation posed a significant challenge. Convincing both product and business stakeholders of the necessity to prioritize navigation as a means to enhance user experience required time and effort. Despite initial resistance, the team persisted in advocating for navigational improvements, emphasizing the direct impact on user satisfaction and adoption rates. Through collaborative dialogue and persuasive demonstrations, stakeholders gradually recognized the value proposition of streamlined navigation in simplifying users' lives and driving overall product success.
3. EMPOWERING USERS THROUGH INTUITIVE NAVIGATION
Ultimately, the integration of strategic navigation proved instrumental in empowering users to navigate the product effortlessly and accomplish their objectives efficiently. By aligning navigational elements with the user journey's procedural steps, the team succeeded in creating a cohesive and intuitive user experience. As users seamlessly navigated through the product's functionalities, the benefits of simplified navigation became evident, reinforcing stakeholders' confidence in the strategic approach. Through perseverance and collaborative advocacy, the team overcame initial resistance, ensuring that navigation remained a central pillar in facilitating user interaction and satisfaction.
PAGE STRUCTURE TEMPLATE
6 Essential Sections Deconstructed
1. PROJECT SUMMARY
The project summary served as the cornerstone of each page structure, providing a comprehensive overview of the project's objectives, scope, and current status. Serving as the starting point for user engagement, this section offered vital context and direction, guiding users through subsequent steps with clarity and purpose. By encapsulating key project details in a succinct summary, users were equipped with the necessary information to navigate the following sections with confidence and efficiency.
2. CREATE NEW OR LOAD EXISTING
Following the project summary, the option to create a new project or load an existing one laid the groundwork for user interaction, offering flexibility and continuity in project management. This pivotal decision point informed subsequent actions, determining whether users would embark on a fresh endeavor or continue with existing project data. By incorporating this choice into the page structure, the interface accommodated diverse user needs and workflows, ensuring a seamless transition into parameter selection and data manipulation.
3. MAKE PARAMETER SELECTIONS
Parametric selections constituted a pivotal stage in the user journey, enabling users to customize and tailor project parameters according to specific requirements and preferences. This section provided a comprehensive array of options and settings, empowering users to fine-tune project parameters with precision and efficiency. By centralizing parameter selection within the page structure, users could navigate this critical stage with ease, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
4. SHOW TABLE VALUES + MAKE CHANGES AS NECESSARY
The display of table values and the option to make changes formed a dynamic and interactive stage within the page structure, facilitating data visualization and manipulation. This section allowed users to interact with tabular data, reviewing existing values and making adjustments as needed. By integrating this functionality seamlessly into the interface, users could iterate on project parameters with agility, fostering a responsive and iterative approach to project management and analysis.
5. REVIEW FINAL CHANGES FOR APPROVAL
As users progressed through the page structure, the review of final changes for approval served as a pivotal checkpoint, ensuring accuracy and completeness before finalizing project adjustments. This section provided users with an opportunity to review and validate modifications, confirming alignment with project objectives and stakeholder requirements. By incorporating this review stage into the page structure, the interface promoted accountability and quality assurance, mitigating the risk of errors and oversights.
6. VIEW GRAPHICAL SUMMARY OF TABLE DATA
Concluding the user journey, the graphical summary of table data offered a visual representation of project insights and outcomes, enriching user understanding and facilitating strategic decision-making. This section transformed tabular data into intuitive visualizations, enabling users to glean actionable insights at a glance. By integrating graphical summaries into the page structure, the interface enhanced user comprehension and engagement, empowering users to derive maximum value from project data.
In summary, the six essential sections formed the foundational framework of each page structure, guiding users through a comprehensive and intuitive user journey. From project initiation to data visualization, each section played a distinct yet interconnected role in facilitating user interaction and achieving project objectives with efficiency and efficacy.
ENHANCING USER EXPERIENCE
Introducing New Elements for Tool Utilization
SELECTORS
Central to the functionality of this project were the newly created selectors, designed to facilitate user interaction and customization. These intuitive elements allowed users to choose from a range of options, parameters, and settings, tailoring their experience to meet specific requirements and preferences. By incorporating selectors into the tool's interface, users gained greater control and flexibility in manipulating project variables, empowering them to optimize outcomes and streamline workflows with ease and precision.
BUTTONS
In addition to selectors, the integration of buttons served as a vital component in enhancing user engagement and workflow efficiency. These interactive elements provided users with clear and actionable prompts, enabling them to initiate processes, confirm actions, and navigate between different stages of the tool. By strategically placing buttons within the interface, users were guided through the tool's functionalities with clarity and confidence, fostering a seamless and intuitive user experience that encouraged active participation and decision-making.
GRAPHICALLY VISUAL ELEMENTS
Furthermore, the inclusion of graphically visual elements played a crucial role in enhancing user comprehension and insight generation. These dynamic components transformed complex data sets and project insights into visually appealing representations, such as charts, graphs, and diagrams. By presenting information in a visually engaging format, users were able to quickly interpret trends, patterns, and relationships within the data, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic analysis. Through the incorporation of graphically visual elements, the tool not only provided users with valuable insights but also elevated the overall user experience, making data exploration and interpretation a more intuitive and engaging process.
PROJECTS PAGE
Number of Sections: 3
Purpose: The Projects page serves as the entry point for users to initiate their project endeavors and commence their user sessions within the tool. Here, users have the option to either create a new project or resume work on an existing project, providing flexibility and continuity in their project management journey.
KEY INSIGHTS TO SHOW
Project Management
This page offers real-time task visibility for assortment planners, ensuring they stay focused on current priorities. Managers gain oversight of all ongoing projects, while executives receive insights into project status and value derivation for strategic decision-making.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
Project Management
Transparency across all company projects fosters a collaborative environment, allowing stakeholders to stay informed and aligned with organizational goals. Seamless access to projects ensures users can efficiently resume their tasks, promoting productivity and continuity in project workflows.
DESIGN HURDLES
Obstacles
By defining the simplest flow for users, we ensure an intuitive and efficient experience, minimizing friction points and maximizing usability. Collaborating with product, managers, and business stakeholders involves advocating for design simplicity through clear communication, user research, and iterative feedback loops to prioritize user needs and streamline workflows effectively.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Obstacles
The engineering team adapted by learning Lowe's company style guide and adopting a new collaborative approach with the UX designer, ensuring alignment with design standards and enhancing product consistency.
INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
Organization
The page needed to display essential project details such as project name, status, and key metrics, while unnecessary elements could be minimized to reduce clutter and streamline the user interface for improved usability and focus on critical information.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
Organization
Users required access to comprehensive project details while also needing a seamless way to return to current projects for ongoing tasks. Additionally, they sought a straightforward method to initiate new projects to streamline workflow management effectively.
USER DELIGHT FEATURES
Stakeholder Engagement
Allowing users to star their favorite projects enables quick access and enhances user efficiency by providing a convenient shortcut to frequently accessed projects, improving overall user experience and productivity.
USER FEEDBACK
Stakeholder Engagement
The project process is iterative and collaborative, requiring assortment planners to engage in ongoing communication and collaboration with various stakeholders throughout the entire duration of their work. This dynamic interaction involves frequent back-and-forth exchanges to gather feedback, address concerns, and ensure alignment with stakeholder needs and objectives.
LESSONS LEARNED
Synthesis
Design and engineering collaborate closely, leveraging their expertise to create exceptional products through open communication, shared goals, and iterative feedback loops.
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
Synthesis
Expanding project information and streamlining steps enhances user experience, providing comprehensive insights while simplifying navigation for improved productivity and informed decision-making.
WORKBOOK PAGE
Number of Sections: 4
Purpose: The purpose of the Workbook section is to provide users with a centralized space where they can seamlessly add, sort, and organize items into collections, streamlining the process of managing product inventories and assortments efficiently.
KEY INSIGHTS TO SHOW
Project Management
Users need visibility into available items and the ability to allocate them to specific workbooks for assortment planning. Providing a comprehensive list of available items and clear options for adding them to relevant workbooks streamlines the assortment planning process and enhances user efficiency.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
Project Management
Once all items are added to a workbook, users gain a clear overview of the assortment, promoting efficient organization and management of product inventory. This ensures that all items are accounted for and appropriately allocated, streamlining the assortment planning process.
DESIGN HURDLES
Obstacles
A template that offers a clean and intuitive layout with consistent navigation elements would work well on subsequent pages. Incorporating clear headings, easily identifiable sections, and standardized formatting helps maintain coherence and enhances user experience across different pages.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Obstacles
Cleaning up the backend database involves optimizing data storage, removing redundant information, and streamlining database queries for improved performance. Implementing indexing, database normalization, and regular maintenance routines can help enhance query speed and overall platform responsiveness.
INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
Organization
Users should be able to view all items and their allocations according to the assortment planner's preferences. Implementing clear visual indicators or filters allows users to easily identify allocated items and ensure they are distributed as desired, facilitating effective assortment planning.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
Organization
Users require the ability to manipulate items, including moving them within the interface, and the capability to create workbooks to organize their assortment planning effectively. Offering intuitive drag-and-drop functionality and clear options for workbook creation simplifies the process, empowering users to manage their assortments efficiently.
USER DELIGHT FEATURES
Stakeholder Engagement
The addition of a tab for out-of-scope items provides users with visibility into items that have not been allocated to any workbook, facilitating efficient organization and management of assortments. This feature helps users identify items that require attention and ensures comprehensive coverage in workbook allocations.
USER FEEDBACK
Stakeholder Engagement
The ability for users to view items not allocated to any workbook was well-received, as it provided clarity and facilitated efficient management of assortments. This feature empowers users to take proactive action by identifying and allocating items that require attention, enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness in assortment planning.
LESSONS LEARNED
Synthesis
Creating a versatile page template for other sections involves designing a layout that accommodates varying content types and functionalities. This includes establishing consistent design elements, such as headers, navigation bars, and content containers, and ensuring flexibility to accommodate different data presentations and interaction patterns across different sections.
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
Synthesis
When changes occur later in the process, it's essential to ensure that they seamlessly integrate with existing steps to maintain user flow. Implementing clear communication channels, user-friendly interfaces, and intuitive navigation aids helps users adapt to changes effortlessly and ensures a smooth transition through the process.
CLUSTER PAGE
Number of Sections: 5
Purpose: The Cluster section serves the purpose of facilitating the creation of groupings of stores based on selected attributes, enabling users to analyze store demographics and preferences to optimize clustering strategies for improved operational efficiency and targeted merchandising.
KEY INSIGHTS TO SHOW
Project Management
Using AI, the best group of stores can be determined based on specific parameters such as geographic location, demographic data, sales performance, and customer preferences. By analyzing these factors, AI algorithms can identify clusters of stores that share similar characteristics and exhibit potential for optimized merchandising strategies and operational efficiencies.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
Project Management
The page displays the increase in sales resulting from the grouping of stores for the items listed in the workbook, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the assortment planning strategy. This allows users to evaluate the impact of store clustering on sales performance and make data-driven decisions to optimize future assortments.
DESIGN HURDLES
Obstacles
Designing a complex page with numerous and diverse inputs involves organizing the layout intuitively, grouping related inputs together, and providing clear labels and instructions to guide users effectively. Creating custom selection mechanisms entails understanding user preferences and needs, leveraging interactive elements such as dropdown menus, sliders, checkboxes, and radio buttons to offer tailored and flexible input options that accommodate diverse user requirements and enhance usability.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Obstacles
Building complex tables involves structuring data logically, using columns and rows to organize information effectively, and incorporating features such as sorting, filtering, and pagination for enhanced usability. Creating a map showing stores in each cluster entails integrating geographic data with clustering algorithms to visualize store groupings spatially, utilizing tools such as GIS software or mapping APIs to display clusters geographically and provide interactive features for exploration and analysis.
INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
Organization
To offer a robust amount of data inside the table based on inputted parameters, we can implement dynamic querying mechanisms that retrieve and display relevant data based on user-defined filters and criteria. Utilizing server-side processing and efficient database querying techniques allows us to handle large datasets effectively, ensuring that the table presents comprehensive and accurate information in response to user inputs. Additionally, incorporating features such as pagination, sorting, and customizable columns enhances usability and enables users to navigate and explore the data conveniently.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
Organization
To view previous project details, users can access project history and utilize filters to refine the data as needed. They can then create a new folder to organize the project and apply additional filters before running the AI algorithm to generate results displayed in a table format. This process ensures that users have access to relevant historical information and can efficiently customize their project parameters for analysis and decision-making.
USER DELIGHT FEATURES
Stakeholder Engagement
The introduction of the mountain visualization received rave reviews as it provided a more intuitive representation compared to the previous table-only format. The map displays clusters in distinct colors, offering a visual overview of store locations across the USA, enhancing understanding and analysis of store groupings for improved decision-making.
USER FEEDBACK
Stakeholder Engagement
Assortment planners and stakeholders, including merchants, welcomed the map enthusiastically for its clear visualization of store clusters, which facilitated better decision-making and collaboration. Its intuitive interface enhanced communication and alignment among team members, leading to improved assortment planning outcomes and overall satisfaction.
LESSONS LEARNED
Synthesis
Designing a complex page requires careful planning and iteration, but it lays the foundation for additional capabilities within the tool. By investing time in crafting a robust and intuitive interface, we can ensure scalability and flexibility, enabling the integration of advanced features and enhancing the overall user experience in the long run.
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
Synthesis
Integrating additional visual graphical elements at the end of the page enhances the presentation of results, providing users with clear and intuitive insights. By incorporating charts, graphs, or infographics, we can visually represent data trends, patterns, and relationships, facilitating easier interpretation and decision-making for users.
ASSORT PAGE
Number of Sections: 5
Purpose: Assort serves as the page where users evaluate item/cluster performance and make informed decisions on what items to stock in specific stores, aiming to create the most optimal assortment tailored to meet customer demands and maximize sales potential, thereby enhancing overall retail profitability.
KEY INSIGHTS TO SHOW
Project Management
The most optimal assortment to generate revenue depends on various factors such as customer preferences, market demand, product performance, and pricing strategies. Utilizing advanced analytics and AI algorithms can help analyze these factors comprehensively to identify the assortment that maximizes revenue potential by aligning with customer needs and market trends.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
Project Management
Assortment planners can finalize their assortments with confidence, knowing that comprehensive data analysis and AI-driven insights have informed their decisions, resulting in assortments that are well-aligned with customer preferences and market trends. This confidence is crucial for driving sales and maximizing profitability while meeting the diverse needs of customers.
DESIGN HURDLES
Obstacles
To add input options in a mostly view-only table, we can incorporate interactive elements such as dropdown menus, checkboxes, or buttons within specific cells or columns. These elements should be clearly labeled and visually distinct to convey their interactivity, making it easy for users to understand and engage with them while maintaining the overall simplicity and usability of the table.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Obstacles
To build graphical elements that match the design specifications, it's important to follow the design guidelines closely and use appropriate tools such as graphic design software or libraries like D3.js for web applications. By adhering to color schemes, typography, and layout principles outlined in the design spec, we can ensure consistency and coherence in the graphical elements while effectively conveying the desired information.
INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
Organization
To minimize user wait time while the AI process runs on the backend, we can implement asynchronous processing. This allows users to initiate the process and continue using the tool while the AI task executes in the background. Additionally, we can provide progress indicators or notifications to keep users informed about the status of the AI task and ensure a seamless user experience.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
Organization
To instill confidence in assortment planners to finalize their assortment, visual representations such as sales performance charts, product distribution maps, and customer segmentation graphs can be effective. Additionally, displaying key metrics such as revenue forecasts, inventory turnover rates, and customer satisfaction scores visually can provide comprehensive insights into the potential success of the assortment, empowering planners to make informed decisions with confidence.
USER DELIGHT FEATURES
Stakeholder Engagement
Allowing assortment planners to view an entire cluster at once in a table format and seamlessly navigate to multiple other clusters enhances efficiency and usability. Implementing intuitive navigation controls, such as dropdown menus or tabs, enables planners to switch between clusters quickly, facilitating comprehensive analysis and decision-making across different segments of the assortment.
USER FEEDBACK
Stakeholder Engagement
The inclusion of visual comparisons at the bottom of the page is well-received by assortment planners as it provides a concise and intuitive summary of key insights. These visual comparisons enable planners to quickly assess performance metrics, identify trends, and make informed decisions, enhancing their confidence in finalizing the assortment effectively.
LESSONS LEARNED
Synthesis
When dealing with a wide table containing numerous columns, implementing mechanisms for navigating between groups of columns is crucial for usability. Utilizing horizontal scrolling, collapsible sections, or tabbed interfaces allows users to navigate efficiently between different sets of columns, ensuring ease of access to relevant data and enhancing the overall user experience.
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
Synthesis
To create a separate "folder" for assortment, distinct from the cluster section, we can design a dedicated interface that includes options for creating new assortments or loading existing ones. This "folder" should have its own tab or sidebar navigation, clearly separated from the cluster-related functionalities, to provide assortment planners with a focused and organized workspace tailored to their specific needs.
PUBLISH PAGE
Number of Sections: 5
Purpose: The purpose of the Publish section is to provide users with a simplified overview of their project's progress and outcomes, empowering them to make final decisions and generate a stocking matrix efficiently. This section enables users to review and approve all aspects of their project before finalizing assortment plans, ensuring accuracy and alignment with business objectives.
KEY INSIGHTS TO SHOW
Project Management
The project summary includes a list of items to be sent to the stocking matrix for store placement. To facilitate easy modifications, we can implement a user-friendly interface where assortment planners can review and edit item selections as needed before finalizing the stocking matrix. This ensures flexibility and agility in adapting to changing requirements or preferences throughout the assortment planning process.
SUCCESS INDICATORS
Project Management
The ability to swiftly review the entire project at once enables assortment planners to make informed decisions effectively. Once satisfied with the stocking matrix, they can easily publish it, ensuring seamless execution of the assortment plan and timely implementation of stocking decisions across stores.
DESIGN HURDLES
Obstacles
To present the entire project in a simple and streamlined manner, we can design a dashboard-style interface that provides a high-level overview of key project details, such as item allocations, cluster groupings, and performance metrics. Utilizing intuitive visualizations, such as charts or graphs, alongside clear and concise textual summaries, enables assortment planners to quickly grasp the project status and make informed decisions with ease. Additionally, implementing navigation aids and interactive elements allows users to drill down into specific sections for more detailed analysis as needed, maintaining simplicity while offering depth of information.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Obstacles
To build small graphical items in the last section, we can leverage lightweight visualization tools or libraries such as Chart.js or Plotly. These tools allow for the creation of simple yet effective charts, graphs, or infographics to visually represent key project metrics or insights. By focusing on clarity and relevance, we can ensure that these graphical items enhance the overall presentation of information while remaining visually appealing and easy to interpret.
INSIGHT SYNTHESIS
Organization
Mapping out a simple flow for selecting workbooks, clustering methods, and item assortments required careful consideration to streamline the process effectively. Implementing clear and intuitive interface elements, such as dropdown menus or checkboxes, allows users to easily select the necessary options without unnecessary complexity. Additionally, providing guidance or tooltips can help clarify each selection's purpose and ensure users make informed choices throughout the flow.
DOCUMENTATION AND REPORTING
Organization
Creating a simple flow for selecting workbooks, clustering methods, and item assortments posed a challenge but was essential for usability. Implementing intuitive selection mechanisms, such as dropdown menus or checkboxes, helped streamline the process, ensuring users could easily choose the necessary options without unnecessary complexity. Additionally, providing clear guidance and tooltips throughout the flow helped users understand each selection's purpose and make informed decisions.
USER DELIGHT FEATURES
Stakeholder Engagement
Users expressed satisfaction with having a "shopping cart" feature at the end of the process, allowing them to review all selections in detail before finalizing their choices. This feature provided reassurance and confidence, enabling users to ensure accuracy and completeness in their assortment planning decisions before proceeding.
USER FEEDBACK
Stakeholder Engagement
Users expressed satisfaction with the ability to independently generate a stocking matrix without relying on external tools like Excel. This feature streamlined their workflow, saving time and reducing the complexity associated with manual processes. By empowering users to produce accurate and tailored stocking matrices within the platform, their productivity and confidence in the assortment planning process were significantly enhanced.
LESSONS LEARNED
Synthesis
Designing a comprehensive page that encapsulates the entire tool highlighted its complexity while emphasizing our commitment to simplicity for users. By carefully organizing and presenting features in an intuitive manner, we aimed to streamline the user experience and empower users to navigate and utilize the tool effectively. This approach ensured that despite the tool's sophistication, users could easily grasp its functionality and achieve their assortment planning goals efficiently.
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
Synthesis
Incorporating additional graphs throughout the page to visually represent selected items and their distribution would enhance user understanding and decision-making. By providing graphical insights into item allocations, clustering results, and other key parameters, users can gain a more comprehensive understanding of their assortment planning process at a glance. This visual approach facilitates quicker analysis and promotes confidence in the decisions made within the tool.