Learn & discover
Project readouts were missing the mark
Project readouts were missing the mark
Enterprise companies often rely on slide decks to communicate information between the organization. Slide decks can be a great tool when the information is high level, synthesized, and clear. But they become ineffective when the information is complex, nuanced or requires additional context.
Like most, our team used slide decks to communicate lengthy project results. However, we realized our decks were becoming far too detailed and packed with data causing confusion from stakeholders, and resulted in our teams running out of time during presentations.
Enterprise companies often rely on slide decks to communicate information between the organization. Slide decks can be a great tool when the information is high level, synthesized, and clear. But they become ineffective when the information is complex, nuanced or requires additional context.
Like most, our team used slide decks to communicate lengthy project results. However, we realized our decks were becoming far too detailed and packed with data causing confusion from stakeholders, and resulted in our teams running out of time during presentations.
“Although our team was excellent at deriving results it was our delivery that needed improvement.”
“Although our team was excellent at deriving results it was our delivery that needed improvement.”
Why is this happening?
Why is this happening?
We conducted internal research with leadership, and operation managers- to understand the needs of a project’s output. We also met with working teams, to understand the current pain points for putting together deliverables, where we uncovered several problems using the current traditional slide deck:
We conducted internal research with leadership, and operation managers- to understand the needs of a project’s output. We also met with working teams, to understand the current pain points for putting together deliverables, where we uncovered several problems using the current traditional slide deck:
A domino of frictions
A domino of frictions
We learned from interviews, and first hand experience, wrapping up projects were chaotic and frustrating because storylines were being written while creating the decks- and the decks themselves were limiting.
This resulted in projects being extended beyond projected completion days, and in stakeholders missing important information or details needed- In some cases an additional deliverable was needed with additional information.
We learned from interviews, and first hand experience, wrapping up projects were chaotic and frustrating because storylines were being written while creating the decks- and the decks themselves were limiting.
This resulted in projects being extended beyond projected completion days, and in stakeholders missing important information or details needed- In some cases an additional deliverable was needed with additional information.
Learn & discover
Define & align
We organized the problems into 2 categories
We organized the problems into 2 categories
We organized the problems into 2 categories
Product
Limitations of our company-provided slide deck template
Limitations of our company-provided slide deck template
When it came to building the decks themselves we faced challenges such as:
When it came to building the decks themselves we faced challenges such as:
Limited space
Lack of flexibility
Large data formatting
Software skill limitations
Limited space
Lack of flexibility
Large data formatting
Software skill limitations
Process
Our current way of working
Our current way of working
When it came to planning the decks, we faced challenges such as:
When it came to planning the decks, we faced challenges such as:
Catering to multiple audiences
Story synthesis
Catering to multiple audiences
Story synthesis
Product
Limitations of our company-provided slide deck template
When it came to building the decks themselves we faced challenges such as:
Limited space
Lack of flexibility
Large data formatting
Software skill limitations
Process
Our current way of working
When it came to planning the decks, we faced challenges such as:
Catering to multiple audiences
Story synthesis
The necessity for a scaleable and personalized solution to our team's unique way of working was becoming glaringly evident. The lead us to our goal:
The necessity for a scaleable and personalized solution to our team's unique way of working was becoming glaringly evident. The lead us to our goal:
The necessity for a scaleable and personalized solution to our team's unique way of working was becoming glaringly evident. The lead us to our goal:
our goal
our goal
Develop a scalable project delivery system that aligns with our team's unique way of work and increases operational efficiency
Develop a scalable project delivery system that aligns with our team's unique way of work and increases operational efficiency
our goal
Develop a scalable project delivery system that aligns with our team's unique way of work and increases operational efficiency
Define & align
Define & align
Ideate & design
Creating a flexible solution
Creating a flexible solution
Creating a flexible solution
Based on our discovery, we knew the solution needed to accommodate and grow with the needs of our team, not force them into a box.
Based on our discovery, we knew the solution needed to accommodate and grow with the needs of our team, not force them into a box.
Based on our discovery, we knew the solution needed to accommodate and grow with the needs of our team, not force them into a box.
We started with one single slide built in Figma- and ideated with going “vertical.” Creating a slide that that could grow, similar to marketing, landing, and blog pages on the web. We called this new adaptive slide design a “One-Pager.”
We started with one single slide built in Figma- and ideated with going “vertical.” Creating a slide that that could grow, similar to marketing, landing, and blog pages on the web. We called this new adaptive slide design a “One-Pager.”
We started with one single slide built in Figma- and ideated with going “vertical.” Creating a slide that that could grow, similar to marketing, landing, and blog pages on the web. We called this new adaptive slide design a “One-Pager.”
Going from a group of slides to a vertical "one-pager" would teams to build their story, with a flexible amount of space they needed. More content, means a longer scroll- instead of being forced to make cuts to fit into a single rectangular slides.
Going from a group of slides to a vertical "one-pager" would teams to build their story, with a flexible amount of space they needed. More content, means a longer scroll- instead of being forced to make cuts to fit into a single rectangular slides.
Going from a group of slides to a vertical "one-pager" would teams to build their story, with a flexible amount of space they needed. More content, means a longer scroll- instead of being forced to make cuts to fit into a single rectangular slides.
Benefits of a hybrid solution
Benefits of a hybrid solution
Benefits of a hybrid solution
This hybrid solution allowed us to cater to varied audience needs by highlighting key points at a glance while also offering the option to dive into finer details when needed.
This hybrid solution allowed us to cater to varied audience needs by highlighting key points at a glance while also offering the option to dive into finer details when needed.
This hybrid solution allowed us to cater to varied audience needs by highlighting key points at a glance while also offering the option to dive into finer details when needed.
This format would enhance the presentation, comprehension, and the ease of which our team could build these readouts. This would require a system that could establish uniformity and ensure seamless integration across multiple teams.
This format would enhance the presentation, comprehension, and the ease of which our team could build these readouts. This would require a system that could establish uniformity and ensure seamless integration across multiple teams.
This format would enhance the presentation, comprehension, and the ease of which our team could build these readouts. This would require a system that could establish uniformity and ensure seamless integration across multiple teams.
To do this, we mapped out the benefit of a creating a drag and drop tool-kit with components and reusable content blocks, to create a one-pager, which will turn into a collection of full pre-made grab-and-go templates, depending on the project type.
To do this, we mapped out the benefit of a creating a drag and drop tool-kit with components and reusable content blocks, to create a one-pager, which will turn into a collection of full pre-made grab-and-go templates, depending on the project type.
To do this, we mapped out the benefit of a creating a drag and drop tool-kit with components and reusable content blocks, to create a one-pager, which will turn into a collection of full pre-made grab-and-go templates, depending on the project type.
But what about the “process?”
But what about the “process?”
But what about the “process?”
To address the issue of siloed story lines, and running up against tight deadlines, we implemented a "content blocking" strategy, which involved creating a lo-fidelity outline (wireframe) of a one-page document in FigJam.
This allows all disciplines to collaborate and develop the sections of the document- focusing on the narrative first- without being intimidated by Figma's toolset and auto-layout, which was difficult to use for other disciplines. This new way of working would eventually lead to project stories that weaved each discipline's findings together. Contributing to a unified story supported by data.
To address the issue of siloed story lines, and running up against tight deadlines, we implemented a "content blocking" strategy, which involved creating a lo-fidelity outline (wireframe) of a one-page document in FigJam.
This allows all disciplines to collaborate and develop the sections of the document- focusing on the narrative first- without being intimidated by Figma's toolset and auto-layout, which was difficult to use for other disciplines. This new way of working would eventually lead to project stories that weaved each discipline's findings together. Contributing to a unified story supported by data.
To address the issue of siloed story lines, and running up against tight deadlines, we implemented a "content blocking" strategy, which involved creating a lo-fidelity outline (wireframe) of a one-page document in FigJam.
This allows all disciplines to collaborate and develop the sections of the document- focusing on the narrative first- without being intimidated by Figma's toolset and auto-layout, which was difficult to use for other disciplines. This new way of working would eventually lead to project stories that weaved each discipline's findings together. Contributing to a unified story supported by data.
The process in action
The process in action
The process in action
Below you can see a content block in action and how it compares to a final one pager deliverable. Our content blocking sessions are often messy as the different disciplines brain dump their content and ideas which are then iteratively synthesized into a cohesive story.
Below you can see a content block in action and how it compares to a final one pager deliverable. Our content blocking sessions are often messy as the different disciplines brain dump their content and ideas which are then iteratively synthesized into a cohesive story.
Below you can see a content block in action and how it compares to a final one pager deliverable. Our content blocking sessions are often messy as the different disciplines brain dump their content and ideas which are then iteratively synthesized into a cohesive story.
Ideate & design
Ideate & design
Deliver & impliment
The One-Pager and a new way of working
The One-Pager and a new way of working
The One-Pager and a new way of working
Key features
Key features
Key features
Content adaptability
Content adaptability
Content adaptability
The layout adjusts its length based on the amount of content without compromising design integrity. Allowing for the hybrid of a detailed document with the scanability of an executive overview
The layout adjusts its length based on the amount of content without compromising design integrity. Allowing for the hybrid of a detailed document with the scanability of an executive overview
The layout adjusts its length based on the amount of content without compromising design integrity. Allowing for the hybrid of a detailed document with the scanability of an executive overview
Improved presentations
Improved presentations
Improved presentations
Utilizing the freedom of the figma canvas to further zoom into details approach offered a far more engaging way to present information and our presentee’s were engaged for longer.
Utilizing the freedom of the figma canvas to further zoom into details approach offered a far more engaging way to present information and our presentee’s were engaged for longer.
Utilizing the freedom of the figma canvas to further zoom into details approach offered a far more engaging way to present information and our presentee’s were engaged for longer.
Streamlined creation
Streamlined creation
Streamlined creation
The introduction of "Content blocking" as a brainstorming method enabled teams to increase effeciency. Concentrating on the story first, led to more organized and impactful presentations.
The introduction of "Content blocking" as a brainstorming method enabled teams to increase effeciency. Concentrating on the story first, led to more organized and impactful presentations.
The introduction of "Content blocking" as a brainstorming method enabled teams to increase effeciency. Concentrating on the story first, led to more organized and impactful presentations.
Example view of a delivered One-pager
Example view of a delivered One-pager
Example view of a delivered One-pager
Launching the tool-kit
Launching the tool-kit
Launching the tool-kit
We launched the toolkit library with templates and components labeled and organized- and help onboarding sessions to walk the teams how to use this file and expidite their project read-outs
We launched the toolkit library with templates and components labeled and organized- and help onboarding sessions to walk the teams how to use this file and expidite their project read-outs
We launched the toolkit library with templates and components labeled and organized- and help onboarding sessions to walk the teams how to use this file and expidite their project read-outs
Big impacts
Big impacts
Big impacts
The new one-pager deliverable was so well adopted amongst our team it has made its way into an official step of our CX process
The new one-pager deliverable was so well adopted amongst our team it has made its way into an official step of our CX process
The new one-pager deliverable was so well adopted amongst our team it has made its way into an official step of our CX process
Overall the content blocking and toolkit has had significant impacts in our internal operations:
Overall the content blocking and toolkit has had significant impacts in our internal operations:
Overall the content blocking and toolkit has had significant impacts in our internal operations:
Saved time
Saved time
before
before
Teams on average spent 10-16 hours constructing final readouts.
Teams on average spent 10-16 hours constructing final readouts.
after
after
Time reduced to 6-8 hours on average, a time saving of 33-50%.
Time reduced to 6-8 hours on average, a time saving of 33-50%.
Boosted moral
Boosted moral
before
before
Only 40% of working teams and non-designers felt comfortable and happy collaborating on projects.
Only 40% of working teams and non-designers felt comfortable and happy collaborating on projects.
after
after
Post-adoption, this satisfaction metric jumped to 80%.
Post-adoption, this satisfaction metric jumped to 80%.
Consistency
Consistency
before
before
Variability in branding and storylines was observed in 60-70% of team outputs.
Variability in branding and storylines was observed in 60-70% of team outputs.
after
after
Consistency in branding and storyline enhancement was achieved in over 90% of outputs.
Consistency in branding and storyline enhancement was achieved in over 90% of outputs.
Increased engagement
Increased engagement
before
before
Presentations engaged partners with a call-to-action response rate of around 40%.
Presentations engaged partners with a call-to-action response rate of around 40%.
after
after
The captivating nature of the presentations post-adoption saw an increase in action from partners with a response rate climbing to 60%.
The captivating nature of the presentations post-adoption saw an increase in action from partners with a response rate climbing to 60%.
After the launch we saw success with our organization's project readouts through feedback from stakeholders.
After the launch we saw success with our organization's project readouts through feedback from stakeholders.
After the launch we saw success with our organization's project readouts through feedback from stakeholders.
“Out of all my years here that was best presentation experience I’ve had working with this team.”
“Out of all my years here that was best presentation experience I’ve had working with this team.”
“Out of all my years here that was best presentation experience I’ve had working with this team.”
SVP of Digital Product
SVP of Digital Product
SVP of Digital Product
"This work is incredible, packaged up perfectly, format is one of the best I’ve seen come out of the team, crisp with the problem statement, it shines and you should be proud; we engaged at a different level, this is exactly where we need to be as a team."
"This work is incredible, packaged up perfectly, format is one of the best I’ve seen come out of the team, crisp with the problem statement, it shines and you should be proud; we engaged at a different level, this is exactly where we need to be as a team."
"This work is incredible, packaged up perfectly, format is one of the best I’ve seen come out of the team, crisp with the problem statement, it shines and you should be proud; we engaged at a different level, this is exactly where we need to be as a team."
Director of Customer Experience
Director of Customer Experience
Director of Customer Experience
“I was able to attend the call today and was just blown away at the storytelling. The format that you’re using to display the results is so easy to digest.”
“I was able to attend the call today and was just blown away at the storytelling. The format that you’re using to display the results is so easy to digest.”
“I was able to attend the call today and was just blown away at the storytelling. The format that you’re using to display the results is so easy to digest.”
AVP of Tech Product Management
AVP of Tech Product Management
AVP of Tech Product Management
Deliver & impliment
Deliver & impliment
Wrap up
Governance and maintenance
Governance and maintenance
Governance and maintenance
The integration of the new way of work empowers everyone to remain self-sufficient in the readout process. Our design team oversees the design system and collaborates with each team to enhance any components they may require for their unique readout. This collaborative approach ensures that our design system is constantly adapting to meet the specific needs of each team.
To continue improving, all completed readouts are collected and reviewed to be used as available templates- as the team's needs continue to grow and evolve with new work and projects that come in.
The integration of the new way of work empowers everyone to remain self-sufficient in the readout process. Our design team oversees the design system and collaborates with each team to enhance any components they may require for their unique readout. This collaborative approach ensures that our design system is constantly adapting to meet the specific needs of each team.
To continue improving, all completed readouts are collected and reviewed to be used as available templates- as the team's needs continue to grow and evolve with new work and projects that come in.
The integration of the new way of work empowers everyone to remain self-sufficient in the readout process. Our design team oversees the design system and collaborates with each team to enhance any components they may require for their unique readout. This collaborative approach ensures that our design system is constantly adapting to meet the specific needs of each team.
To continue improving, all completed readouts are collected and reviewed to be used as available templates- as the team's needs continue to grow and evolve with new work and projects that come in.
Final thoughts
Final thoughts
Final thoughts
It was exciting getting the to work on a deliverable that was a representation of our entire CX organization. Getting to work on something to improve the workflow of co-workers, and actually get to literally see the results was huge!
This project was a great reminder that the the process is just as key as the product. Really digging into the roots of the problems, and addressing both the "way we work," and the actual deliverable itself, is what made this successful.
A next step would be gathering feedback from our audiences to ensure these deliverables are resonating with them, and are usable for them to take action- and then further refine our product and process baesd on what we continue to learn.
It was exciting getting the to work on a deliverable that was a representation of our entire CX organization. Getting to work on something to improve the workflow of co-workers, and actually get to literally see the results was huge!
This project was a great reminder that the the process is just as key as the product. Really digging into the roots of the problems, and addressing both the "way we work," and the actual deliverable itself, is what made this successful.
A next step would be gathering feedback from our audiences to ensure these deliverables are resonating with them, and are usable for them to take action- and then further refine our product and process baesd on what we continue to learn.
It was exciting getting the to work on a deliverable that was a representation of our entire CX organization. Getting to work on something to improve the workflow of co-workers, and actually get to literally see the results was huge!
This project was a great reminder that the the process is just as key as the product. Really digging into the roots of the problems, and addressing both the "way we work," and the actual deliverable itself, is what made this successful.
A next step would be gathering feedback from our audiences to ensure these deliverables are resonating with them, and are usable for them to take action- and then further refine our product and process baesd on what we continue to learn.
Wrap up
Wrap up
Project readouts were missing the mark
Enterprise companies often rely on slide decks to communicate information between the organization. Slide decks can be a great tool when the information is high level, synthesized, and clear. But they become ineffective when the information is complex, nuanced or requires additional context.
Like most, our team used slide decks to communicate lengthy project results. However, we realized our decks were becoming far too detailed and packed with data causing confusion from stakeholders, and resulted in our teams running out of time during presentations.
“Although our team was excellent at deriving results it was our delivery that needed improvement.”
Why is this happening?
We conducted internal research with leadership, and operation managers- to understand the needs of a project’s output. We also met with working teams, to understand the current pain points for putting together deliverables, where we uncovered several problems using the current traditional slide deck:
A domino of frictions
We learned from interviews, and first hand experience, wrapping up projects were chaotic and frustrating because storylines were being written while creating the decks- and the decks themselves were limiting.
This resulted in projects being extended beyond projected completion days, and in stakeholders missing important information or details needed- In some cases an additional deliverable was needed with additional information.