User Roles & Permissions Management
Company
Schneider ElectricYear
2019The Challenge
As part of a new product launch for a data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform, the team needed to introduce administrative functionality that allowed users to manage user groups and permissions. This was a critical feature due to the growing diversity of platform users – ranging from technicians to operations managers – each requiring different access levels.
The challenge was to design a solution that was intuitive, scalable, and ready under a tight deadline, while also fitting seamlessly into the broader admin experience of a highly technical B2B platform.
Research & Competitive Analysis
After receiving the brief from the product manager, I began with a competitive analysis, exploring how similar platforms handled user roles and permissions. I also conducted desktop research to understand current UI patterns and trends. These insights helped frame the design direction and ensured the solution was aligned with user expectations and industry standards.
Co-creation & Ideation
Working with a mobile UX/UI designer and a design intern, we ran a quick ideation session to sketch out potential approaches. The focus was on speed and feasibility, given the tight timeline. We aligned on a structure that could scale and fit seamlessly into the existing design system.
Prototyping & testing
Three rounds of usability testing were conducted:
- Round 1: In-house testing with 7 internal users unfamiliar with the designs
- Round 2: Iteration based on internal feedback, followed by additional testing
- Round 3: Remote testing with 3 real users of the platform
Each round informed improvements, and by the final iteration, only minor UI tweaks were needed.
Implementation
The final UI was handed off for development and included:
- A clear, flexible interface for managing roles and permissions
- Scalable patterns that supported future complexity
- Visual consistency with the existing product design language
The feature was implemented successfully and became part of the initial product launch.
Key Outcomes
- Seamless addition of a new user management feature
- Successfully launched under tight time constraints
- Multiple rounds of usability testing ensured confidence in the final design
👉 View Prototype
