Type
Product Design
Marketing
Role
Sole Product Design Intern
Timeline
4 months
Team
Project Manager
COO
Marketing Team
Developers
Nexflo — Product Design Internship
Designing a rapid and intuitive ERP system for small and medium wholesale enterprises
Type
Product Design
Marketing
Role
Sole Product Design Intern
Timeline
4 months
Team
Project Manager
COO
Marketing Team
Developers
Type
Product Design
Marketing
Role
Sole Product Design
Intern
Timeline
4 months
Team
Project Manager
COO
Marketing Team
Developers
Overview
Nexflo is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed for small to medium-sized wholesale distributors. During my 4-month internship as a product design intern, I collaborated closely with the COO, developers, and marketing coordinator and owned the development of various deliverables such as Nexflo's user interface mockups, marketing website and promotional demo videos.
Nexflo is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed for small to medium-sized wholesale distributors. During my 4-month internship as a product design intern, I collaborated closely with the COO, developers, and marketing coordinator and owned the development of various deliverables such as Nexflo's user interface mockups, marketing website and promotional demo videos.
Nexflo is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system designed for small to medium-sized wholesale distributors. During my 4-month internship as a product design intern, I collaborated closely with the COO, developers, and marketing coordinator and owned the development of various deliverables such as Nexflo's user interface mockups, marketing website and promotional demo videos.
The Challenge
Designing an ERP system that felt powerful but approachable. Many existing ERPs in this space are cluttered and visually outdated, which makes them difficult for smaller teams to use effectively. My goal was to create an interface that felt modern and approachable while still handling complex operations and workflows in the background.
Designing an ERP system that felt powerful but approachable. Many existing ERPs in this space are cluttered and visually outdated, which makes them difficult for smaller teams to use effectively. My goal was to create an interface that felt modern and approachable while still handling complex operations and workflows in the background.
Designing an ERP system that felt powerful but approachable. Many existing ERPs in this space are cluttered and visually outdated, which makes them difficult for smaller teams to use effectively. My goal was to create an interface that felt modern and approachable while still handling complex operations and workflows in the background.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
My Role At Nexflo :)
Conducted competitor analysis of leading ERP systems and presented insights on the features, common UI patterns and user reviews.
Researched and presented best UX/UI practises and recommendations from leading ERP systems that should be implemented in our ERP system to executives and developers.
Designed ERP mockups for the MVP before branding was finalized, due to time constraints.
Iterated on various UI elements (navigation bars, toolbars and button styles) with the PM, executives and developers, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Refined UI once branding was finalized by the marketing coordinator.
Began to explore a tablet version of the dashboard to extend usability.
Delivered mockups for developer handoff, with some elements later adapted during implementation.
Continued to extend Nexflo’s branding to design Nexflo’s marketing website and promotional videos working closely within the marketing team.
DESIGN PROCESS
The design process, working under time constraints
Competitor Analysis
Researching What shapes user experiences in leading ERP systems
To gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work with the current user experience of leading ERP systems, I conducted a competitor analysis strengths and weaknesses within the industry.
USER Research
Learning what Users Value
To discover what users appreciate most in their ERP systems, I analyzed user reviews across multiple software review platforms due to the time constraint. This secondary research method allowed me to gather feedback from real users without conducting formal interviews.
😌 Ease of use
Intuitive Design- Users find the interfaces easy to navigate.
User-Friendly- Accessible for all skill levels, enhancing user satisfaction.
⚡️ Efficiency
Quick Access- Features allow for faster task completion.
Time Management- Tools help users manage their time effectively
✏️️ Customization
Easy Customization- Users can tailor features to meet specific needs.
Configurable Views- Flexibility in how information is displayed.
Early Concept Hi-Fi Mockups
Laying the groundwork for An ERP dashboard Design
After learning what ERP users value, I identified common UI patterns within the system users praised. Because the brand guidelines for Nexflo were still being developed due to the business being in its early stages, I focused on creating the MVP dashboard layout and iterating on UI elements using filler branding, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
We explored potential company names and colour palettes, one of the early concepts being Hivantage, paired with a yellow primary palette. However, the executives felt the name didn’t fully reflect the ERP’s vision and target audience. One issue brought up was that yellow on a white background presented readability issues if it was not utilized properly.
Early concept mockup of the dashboard using filler branding before brand guidelines and a company name were established, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
ITERATION & FEEDBACK
Exploring the most efficient way to navigate
With efficiency and ease of use in mind, we continued to iterate. Nexflo’s ERP modules and amount of subpages, I explored both hover-based and dropdown navigation modules to determine which best supported efficiency and clarity.
Faster navigation
Frustrating to navigate using hover
Not tablet friendly
Can’t see subpage location after clicking
More control, less frustrating
Accessible for users with motor disabilities
Visible subpage location after clicking
Slower navigation
Brand integration & Final designs
Final Dashboard Design
After multiple meetings with the marketing team, project manager, developers and COO, we landed on a dashboard design that integrated the new brand guidelines for Nexflo. I also explored the dashboard could scale across a tablet version.
Reflection
What This internship has taught me
Working as the sole product designer at Nexflo, I learnt the importance of voicing your opinion with confidence while collaborating cross functionally. This internship not only helped me grow as a designer but also as a collaborator who advocates of the value of user experiences within a real business under technical and time constraints.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
My Role At Nexflo :)
Conducted competitor analysis of leading ERP systems and presented insights on the features, common UI patterns and user reviews.
Researched and presented best UX/UI practises and recommendations from leading ERP systems that should be implemented in our ERP system to executives and developers.
Designed ERP mockups for the MVP before branding was finalized, due to time constraints.
Iterated on various UI elements (navigation bars, toolbars and button styles) with the PM, executives and developers, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Refined UI once branding was finalized by the marketing coordinator.
Began to explore a tablet version of the dashboard to extend usability.
Delivered mockups for developer handoff, with some elements later adapted during implementation.
Continued to extend Nexflo’s branding to design Nexflo’s marketing website and promotional videos working closely within the marketing team.
DESIGN PROCESS
The design process, working under time constraints
Competitor Analysis
Researching What shapes user experiences in leading ERP systems
To gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work with the current user experience of leading ERP systems, I conducted a competitor analysis strengths and weaknesses within the industry.
USER Research
Learning what Users Value
To discover what users appreciate most in their ERP systems, I analyzed user reviews across multiple software review platforms due to the time constraint. This secondary research method allowed me to gather feedback from real users without conducting formal interviews.
😌 Ease of use
Intuitive Design- Users find the interfaces easy to navigate.
User-Friendly- Accessible for all skill levels, enhancing user satisfaction.
⚡️ Efficiency
Quick Access- Features allow for faster task completion.
Time Management- Tools help users manage their time effectively
✏️️ Customization
Easy Customization- Users can tailor features to meet specific needs.
Configurable Views- Flexibility in how information is displayed.
Early Concept Hi-Fi Mockups
Laying the groundwork for An ERP dashboard Design
After learning what ERP users value, I identified common UI patterns within the system users praised. Because the brand guidelines for Nexflo were still being developed due to the business being in its early stages, I focused on creating the MVP dashboard layout and iterating on UI elements using filler branding, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
We explored potential company names and colour palettes, one of the early concepts being Hivantage, paired with a yellow primary palette. However, the executives felt the name didn’t fully reflect the ERP’s vision and target audience. One issue brought up was that yellow on a white background presented readability issues if it was not utilized properly.
Early concept mockup of the dashboard using filler branding before brand guidelines and a company name were established, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
ITERATION & FEEDBACK
Exploring the most efficient way to navigate
With efficiency and ease of use in mind, we continued to iterate. Nexflo’s ERP modules and amount of subpages, I explored both hover-based and dropdown navigation modules to determine which best supported efficiency and clarity.
Faster navigation
Frustrating to navigate using hover
Not tablet friendly
Can’t see subpage location after clicking
More control, less frustrating
Accessible for users with motor disabilities
Visible subpage location after clicking
Slower navigation
Brand integration & Final designs
Final Dashboard Design
After multiple meetings with the marketing team, project manager, developers and COO, we landed on a dashboard design that integrated the new brand guidelines for Nexflo. I also explored the dashboard could scale across a tablet version.
Reflection
What This internship has taught me
Working as the sole product designer at Nexflo, I learnt the importance of voicing your opinion with confidence while collaborating cross functionally. This internship not only helped me grow as a designer but also as a collaborator who advocates of the value of user experiences within a real business under technical and time constraints.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
My Role At Nexflo :)
Conducted competitor analysis of leading ERP systems and presented insights on the features, common UI patterns and user reviews.
Researched and presented best UX/UI practises and recommendations from leading ERP systems that should be implemented in our ERP system to executives and developers.
Designed ERP mockups for the MVP before branding was finalized, due to time constraints.
Iterated on various UI elements (navigation bars, toolbars and button styles) with the PM, executives and developers, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Refined UI once branding was finalized by the marketing coordinator.
Began to explore a tablet version of the dashboard to extend usability.
Delivered mockups for developer handoff, with some elements later adapted during implementation.
Continued to extend Nexflo’s branding to design Nexflo’s marketing website and promotional videos working closely within the marketing team.
DESIGN PROCESS
The design process, working under time constraints
Competitor Analysis
Researching What shapes user experiences in leading ERP systems
To gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work with the current user experience of leading ERP systems, I conducted a competitor analysis strengths and weaknesses within the industry.
USER Research
Learning what Users Value
To discover what users appreciate most in their ERP systems, I analyzed user reviews across multiple software review platforms due to the time constraint. This secondary research method allowed me to gather feedback from real users without conducting formal interviews.
😌 Ease of use
Intuitive Design- Users find the interfaces easy to navigate.
User-Friendly- Accessible for all skill levels, enhancing user satisfaction.
⚡️ Efficiency
Quick Access- Features allow for faster task completion.
Time Management- Tools help users manage their time effectively
✏️️ Customization
Easy Customization- Users can tailor features to meet specific needs.
Configurable Views- Flexibility in how information is displayed.
Early Concept Hi-Fi Mockups
Laying the groundwork for An ERP dashboard Design
After learning what ERP users value, I identified common UI patterns within the system users praised. Because the brand guidelines for Nexflo were still being developed due to the business being in its early stages, I focused on creating the MVP dashboard layout and iterating on UI elements using filler branding, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
We explored potential company names and colour palettes, one of the early concepts being Hivantage, paired with a yellow primary palette. However, the executives felt the name didn’t fully reflect the ERP’s vision and target audience. One issue brought up was that yellow on a white background presented readability issues if it was not utilized properly.
Early concept mockup of the dashboard using filler branding before brand guidelines and a company name were established, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
ITERATION & FEEDBACK
Exploring the most efficient way to navigate
With efficiency and ease of use in mind, we continued to iterate. Nexflo’s ERP modules and amount of subpages, I explored both hover-based and dropdown navigation modules to determine which best supported efficiency and clarity.
Faster navigation
Frustrating to navigate using hover
Not tablet friendly
Can’t see subpage location after clicking
More control, less frustrating
Accessible for users with motor disabilities
Visible subpage location after clicking
Slower navigation
Brand integration & Final designs
Final Dashboard Design
After multiple meetings with the marketing team, project manager, developers and COO, we landed on a dashboard design that integrated the new brand guidelines for Nexflo. I also explored the dashboard could scale across a tablet version.
Reflection
What This internship has taught me
Working as the sole product designer at Nexflo, I learnt the importance of voicing your opinion with confidence while collaborating cross functionally. This internship not only helped me grow as a designer but also as a collaborator who advocates of the value of user experiences within a real business and technical under time constraints.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
My Role At Nexflo :)
Conducted competitor analysis of leading ERP systems and presented insights on the features, common UI patterns and user reviews.
Researched and presented best UX/UI practises and recommendations from leading ERP systems that should be implemented in our ERP system to executives and developers.
Designed ERP mockups for the MVP before branding was finalized, due to time constraints.
Iterated on various UI elements (navigation bars, toolbars and button styles) with the PM, executives and developers, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Refined UI once branding was finalized by the marketing coordinator.
Began to explore a tablet version of the dashboard to extend usability.
Delivered mockups for developer handoff, with some elements later adapted during implementation.
Continued to extend Nexflo’s branding to design Nexflo’s marketing website and promotional videos working closely within the marketing team.
DESIGN PROCESS
The design process, working under time constraints
Competitor Analysis
& User Research
1
Early Concept
Hi-Fi Mockups
2
Executive
Consultation
3
Iteration & Feedback
4
Brand Integration
5
Developer
Consultation
6
Final Designs
7
Developer
Handoff
8
Competitor Analysis
Researching What shapes user experiences in leading ERP systems
To gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work with the current user experience of leading ERP systems, I conducted a competitor analysis strengths and weaknesses within the industry.
Strengths
Scalability
Real-Time Data Visibility
Comprehensive Suites
Customization and Integrations
Weaknesses
Steep Learning Curves
Complex and Timely Implementation
High Costs
Outdated Interfaces
USER Research
Learning what Users Value
To discover what users appreciate most in their ERP systems, I analyzed user reviews across multiple software review platforms due to the time constraint. This secondary research method allowed me to gather feedback from real users without conducting formal interviews.
😌 Ease of use
Intuitive Design- Users find the interfaces easy to navigate.
User-Friendly- Accessible for all skill levels, enhancing user satisfaction.
⚡️ Efficiency
Quick Access- Features allow for faster task completion.
Time Management- Tools help users manage their time effectively
✏️️ Customization
Easy Customization- Users can tailor features to meet specific needs.
Configurable Views- Flexibility in how information is displayed.
Early Concept Hi-Fi Mockups
Laying the groundwork for An ERP dashboard Design
After learning what ERP users value, I identified common UI patterns within the system users praised. Because the brand guidelines for Nexflo were still being developed due to the business being in its early stages, I focused on creating the MVP dashboard layout and iterating on UI elements using filler branding, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
We explored potential company names and colour palettes, one of the early concepts being Hivantage, paired with a yellow primary palette. However, the executives felt the name didn’t fully reflect the ERP’s vision and target audience. One issue brought up was that yellow on a white background presented readability issues if it was not utilized properly.
Early concept mockup of the dashboard using filler branding before brand guidelines and a company name were established, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
ITERATION & FEEDBACK
Exploring the most efficient way to navigate
With efficiency and ease of use in mind, we continued to iterate. Nexflo’s ERP modules and amount of subpages, I explored both hover-based and dropdown navigation modules to determine which best supported efficiency and clarity.
Faster navigation
Frustrating to navigate using hover
Not tablet friendly
Can’t see subpage location after clicking
More control, less frustrating
Accessible for users with motor disabilities
Visible subpage location after clicking
Slower navigation
Brand integration & Final designs
Final Dashboard Design
After multiple meetings with the marketing team, project manager, developers and COO, we landed on a dashboard design that integrated the new brand guidelines for Nexflo. I also explored the dashboard could scale across a tablet version.
Reflection
What This internship has taught me
Working as the sole product designer at Nexflo, I learnt the importance of voicing your opinion with confidence while collaborating cross functionally. This internship not only helped me grow as a designer but also as a collaborator who advocates of the value of user experiences within a real business under technical and time constraints.
INTERNSHIP SUMMARY
My Role At Nexflo :)
Conducted competitor analysis of leading ERP systems and presented insights on the features, common UI patterns and user reviews.
Researched and presented best UX/UI practises and recommendations from leading ERP systems that should be implemented in our ERP system to executives and developers.
Designed ERP mockups for the MVP before branding was finalized, due to time constraints.
Iterated on various UI elements (navigation bars, toolbars and button styles) with the PM, executives and developers, ensuring alignment with business goals and technical requirements.
Refined UI once branding was finalized by the marketing coordinator.
Began to explore a tablet version of the dashboard to extend usability.
Delivered mockups for developer handoff, with some elements later adapted during implementation.
Continued to extend Nexflo’s branding to design Nexflo’s marketing website and promotional videos working closely within the marketing team.
DESIGN PROCESS
The design process, working under time constraints
Competitor Analysis
& User Research
1
Early Concept
Hi-Fi Mockups
2
Executive
Consultation
3
Iteration & Feedback
4
Brand Integration
5
Developer
Consultation
6
Final Designs
7
Developer
Handoff
8
Competitor Analysis
Researching What shapes user experiences in leading ERP systems
To gain a better understanding of what does and doesn't work with the current user experience of leading ERP systems, I conducted a competitor analysis strengths and weaknesses within the industry.
Strengths
Scalability
Real-Time Data Visibility
Comprehensive Suites
Customization and Integrations
Weaknesses
Steep Learning Curves
Complex and Timely Implementation
High Costs
Outdated Interfaces
USER Research
Learning what Users Value
To discover what users appreciate most in their ERP systems, I analyzed user reviews across multiple software review platforms due to the time constraint. This secondary research method allowed me to gather feedback from real users without conducting formal interviews.
😌 Ease of use
Intuitive Design- Users find the interfaces easy to navigate.
User-Friendly- Accessible for all skill levels, enhancing user satisfaction.
⚡️ Efficiency
Quick Access- Features allow for faster task completion.
Time Management- Tools help users manage their time effectively
✏️️ Customization
Easy Customization- Users can tailor features to meet specific needs.
Configurable Views- Flexibility in how information is displayed.
Early Concept Hi-Fi Mockups
Laying the groundwork for An ERP dashboard Design
After learning what ERP users value, I identified common UI patterns within the system users praised. Because the brand guidelines for Nexflo were still being developed due to the business being in its early stages, I focused on creating the MVP dashboard layout and iterating on UI elements using filler branding, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
We explored potential company names and colour palettes, one of the early concepts being Hivantage, paired with a yellow primary palette. However, the executives felt the name didn’t fully reflect the ERP’s vision and target audience. One issue brought up was that yellow on a white background presented readability issues if it was not utilized properly.
Early concept mockup of the dashboard using filler branding before brand guidelines and a company name were established, prioritizing visual clarity and customization utilizing a bento grid system.
ITERATION & FEEDBACK
Exploring the most efficient way to navigate
With efficiency and ease of use in mind, we continued to iterate. Nexflo’s ERP modules and amount of subpages, I explored both hover-based and dropdown navigation modules to determine which best supported efficiency and clarity.
Faster navigation
Frustrating to navigate using hover
Not tablet friendly
Can’t see subpage location after clicking
More control, less frustrating
Accessible for users with motor disabilities
Visible subpage location after clicking
Slower navigation
Brand integration & Final designs
Final Dashboard Design
After multiple meetings with the marketing team, project manager, developers and COO, we landed on a dashboard design that integrated the new brand guidelines for Nexflo. I also explored the dashboard could scale across a tablet version.
Reflection
What This internship has taught me
Working as the sole product designer at Nexflo, I learnt the importance of voicing your opinion with confidence while collaborating cross functionally. This internship not only helped me grow as a designer but also as a collaborator who advocates of the value of user experiences within a real business under technical and time constraints.
Type
Product Design
Marketing
Role
Product Design Intern
Timeline
4 months
Team
Project Manager
COO
Marketing Team
Developers
Type
Product Design
Marketing
Role
Sole Product Design
Intern
Timeline
4 months
Team
Project Manager
COO
Marketing Team
Developers