The Problem
Role
UX Designer
Runner users are meticulous. The application is rich in technical information, metadata and countless file types. Those who are not meticulous, however, are external Runner users. Vendors from around the world needed the ability to deliver urgent files to Runner with accurately assigned metadata. A simple, foolproof feature was needed to ensure timely and reliable delivery of media to internal Sony Pictures teams.
Research and Strategy
Understanding the Ecosystem
We started by deeply studying workflows by team. After a series of user interviews, we mapped their user journey, touchpoints and services to help reveal areas of frustration and previously unidentified needs of this new feature.
Brainstorming Solutions
Guided by our research, we got to work hypothesizing solutions to the original problem. Our team decided to test the most viable concept which allowed an internal Runner user to instantly request files from an outside vendor through an email link.
User Flows
We fleshed out the concept by creating flow diagrams for each user type. This helped us get clear about the each step of the feature, as well as communicate the high-level idea to developers to ensure it was technically feasible within the portal.
The Requester flow allows the internal Runner user to control the delivery by assigning metadata to an empty folder, then sharing a link that allows the vendor to drop the appropriate media files into that folder.
Design and Test
We engaged with our target users to test hi-fidelity clickable prototypes for the new "Request Files" feature. Once validated, our team built a well-researched solution that solved urgent media delivery problems and brought both internal and external teams piece of mind.
Results
The "Request Files" feature had immediate and successful adoption after going live. Sony Pictures vendors across the world now had a tool for fast and simple media delivery - yes! Not only was this feature happily adopted by vendors, it also became widely used among internal Runner teams to share files with each other.