Context and Objectives

In the fast-changing world of telecom network management, a top service provider struggled to see and manage the many connections between its sites. This was a big problem, especially as they worked on launching 5G services. To fix this, they started a project called "Topology." The goal was to build a tool that made the network easy to visualize and handle.

Project Goals:

• Simplify Network Management: Develop a tool that makes it easy to see and manage site connections.

• Reduce Errors: Minimize mistakes in network management by improving data accuracy.

• Enhance Visibility: Provide clear and detailed views of the network to help engineers make informed decisions.

Team & Stakeholders

Team Composition:

• UX Team: 2 UX designers.

• Development Team: 4 Backend developers, 2 Frontend developers.

• Devops: 1.

• QA: 1 Lead, 2 Testers.

• Project Manager: 1.

• Delivery Manager: 1.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborated with network engineers, planners, and operational staff.

• Regular meetings with senior management to align on project objectives.

  
  

Challenges & Problem Statement

Initial Challenges:

Complex Network Connections:

• Complex Network Topology: Difficulty in identifying and managing connections between donor and recipient sites.

• Incorrect Site Connections: High number of erroneous connections leading to network inefficiencies.

• Limited Visualization Tools: Existing tools were static and disconnected, lacking dynamic and multi-dimensional views.

Problem Statement:

The primary problem was the difficulty in identifying and managing the connections between donor and recipient sites, including issues with incorrect site connections. This complexity likely resulted in inefficiencies, potential errors in network management, and difficulty in planning for network expansions or maintenance.

UX Design Process

Ideation:

• Held brainstorming sessions using card sorting techniques to prioritise features and views.

• Collaborated with stakeholders to ensure alignment on project direction.

Rapid Prototyping:

• Created wireframes and interactive prototypes for the Map, Logical, and Tabular views.

• Used these wireframes to gather early feedback and ensure alignment with user needs.

Usability Testing:

• Conducted multiple rounds of testing with actual users to gather feedback on functionality and usability.

• Refined prototypes to address user concerns and enhance the overall experience.

Implementation:

• Developed the Topology tool with three interconnected views:

• Map View: Visualises the physical locations of site connections.

• Logical View: Displays the network’s logical structure without geographic details.

• Tabular View: Provides detailed data in a table format for analysis and reporting.

  
  

• Ensured seamless integration and consistent data across all views.
  
  

Approach

Discovery & Research

User Interviews:

• Conducted interviews with network engineers and planners to understand their workflows and pain points.

• Gathered insights on challenges related to tracking site connections and managing incorrect linkages.

Secondary Research:

• Analysed existing network management tools to identify gaps and opportunities.

• Studied best practices in network visualisation and management.

Findings:

• Users struggled with static representations that did not provide real-time updates.

• There was a need for a tool that offered both high-level overviews and detailed insights on demand.

Problem Definition:

• Identified the need for a tool that offers a dynamic and comprehensive view of the network topology.

  
  

User Journey Map

Defining the Problem

Core Problem:

• Users required a dynamic, multi-dimensional tool to visualize the network topology, enabling them to quickly identify and manage site connections while reducing errors and improving efficiency.

Design Goals

• Multiple Views: Provide geospatial, logical, and tabular views to cater to different user needs.

• User-Friendly Interface: Ensure the tool is intuitive and easy to navigate

• Real-Time Data: Incorporate real-time updates to maintain network accuracy.

• Scalability: Design a tool that can scale with future network expansions and technological advancements.
  
  

Leadership

Management Approach

• Led a cross-functional team of designers, developers, and network experts.

• Facilitated brainstorming sessions and workshops to encourage team involvement.

• Promoted a user-centric approach throughout the project.

Decision-Making

• Prioritised features based on user feedback and business objectives.

• Made key decisions on tool functionalities and design elements to ensure alignment with user needs.

• Made key decisions to keep the project on track and aligned with goals.
  
  

Solutions & Outcomes

Final Deliverables

Developed the "Topology" application featuring three interconnected views:

1. Map View:

   • Provides a geographical representation of the network.

   • Allows users to see the physical locations and connections of sites.

   • Essential for planning and troubleshooting physical infrastructure.
     
     

2. Logical View:

   • Abstracts the network from physical locations.

   • Helps users understand the logical structure and hierarchy of the network.

   • Useful for managing network configurations without geographical distractions.
     
     

3. Tabular View:

   • Offers detailed data in a familiar table format.

   • Enables easy data analysis and reporting.

   • Data can be exported or shared with other systems and stakeholders.

Results

User Adoption:

• The tool was quickly adopted by the network engineering team.

• Users appreciated the intuitive interface and the ability to switch between different views.

Business Impact:

• Operational Efficiency: Significant reduction in time spent on network management tasks.

• Error Reduction: Decrease in incorrect site connections and related issues.

• Improved Decision-Making: Enhanced ability to plan for network expansions and maintenance.

• Support for 5G Rollout: Streamlined processes supported the rapid deployment of 5G infrastructure.

Reflections & Learnings

User-Centric Design is Crucial:

• Involving users throughout the design process led to a tool that met their actual needs.

• Understanding user workflows helped in creating a more effective solution.

Value of Rapid Prototyping:

• Quick wireframes and prototypes facilitated early feedback.

• Iterative design allowed for swift adjustments and improvements.

Importance of Collaboration:

• Working closely with different teams ensured the tool was practical and valuable.

• Open communication helped in overcoming challenges promptly.

Scalability and Flexibility:

• Designing with future expansions in mind ensured the tool remained relevant.

• The adaptable design supports ongoing technological advancements.Outcomes
  
  

Conclusion

Topology successfully addressed the complex challenges of telecom network management by providing a dynamic and intuitive visualization tool. By focusing on user needs, leveraging rapid prototyping, and engaging in iterative design and testing, the UX team delivered a solution that significantly enhanced the efficiency and accuracy of network management. The tool’s ability to streamline processes and support the deployment of 5G infrastructure highlights the transformative power of user experience design in solving intricate technical problems. As a UX Lead and Designer, I am proud to have led this project, contributing to the company’s growth and the advancement of its network capabilities.

Screens are recreated due to NDA concerns.