Quick Connect
Efficient way to create virtual connections
Case Study | Equinix
Problem
Cloud Solution Architects can create virtual connections with Cloud Service Providers (Google Cloud) to their ports however, current process creates a fragmented experience by requiring users to hop between Fabric and Cloud service providers portals multiple times. If the user wants to create a pair connection (redundant) they need to go through the process twice, which can be time consuming.
Solution
Quick connect feature helps Cloud solution architects to instantly create redundant connection with their assets (ports, gateways) to cloud service providers network all inside Fabric. We solved this by introducing Cloud Service Providers Sign in authentication step that allows Fabric to create redundant connection on behalf of users and automate the additional steps which required users to leave the Fabric portal. Resulting in a seamless and intuitive experience.
year
2024
timeframe
6 Months
tools
Figma, Miro
category
UI/UX
Impact
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Reduced drop-off rate by approximately 19%, improving overall user engagement
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Successfully migrated over 50% of legacy connection ordering flows to the redesigned experience
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Enabled faster delivery by collaborating with engineering leadership to form a dedicated implementation team
About the project
In the QuickConnect project at Fabric, my role as a Senior UX designer was pivotal in transforming how Cloud Solution Architects interact with Cloud Service Providers like Google Cloud. I identified critical inefficiencies in the existing process for creating virtual connections, which was cumbersome and time-consuming, especially when establishing redundant connections. To address these challenges, I spearheaded user research, conducting interviews with internal architects to uncover pain points and synthesized these insights into user journey maps for three major Cloud service providers. My contributions included designing interactive Figma prototypes to visualize solutions, collaborating closely with Technical Product Managers and Architects to refine these designs, and implementing Analytics Metrics in Amplitude to monitor user interactions and inform future design enhancements. The culmination of this effort was the integration of a Cloud Service Providers Sign-in authentication step, enabling a more streamlined and automated connection process within the Fabric portal, significantly enhancing user experience and efficiency.
About the company
Equinix is the world’s most expansive, secure and sustainable data center platform which specializes in internet connection and digital interconnection related services. They own and operate a network of 220+ data centers in 44 major metropolitan areas and 22 countries on five continents.
Problem Identification
The current process for establishing connections with Cloud Service Providers is hampered by inefficiencies that compromise user experience. Key issues include:
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1. Multiportal Process: Users must navigate between multiple portals, generating and using connection keys in a fragmented sequence that disrupts workflow.
2. Single Connection Limitation: The system only supports creating one connection at a time. Establishing redundant connections doubles the effort and frustration due to the repeated multi-step process.
3. Activation Steps: After creating a connection, users must activate it via the Cloud Service Provider’s portal, adding unnecessary complexity.
4. Pricing and Location Clarity: The multipage form for connection setup hides pricing details until the final steps, requiring back-and-forth navigation to adjust pricing attributes. Additionally, the terminology used for locations is inconsistent with industry standards, leading to confusion.
Goals and Objectives
The objectives and goals for enhancing the QuickConnect feature aim to streamline and optimize the connection creation process:
1. Simplify the Connection Process: Eliminate the need for multiple portal visits by enabling all necessary connection steps within the Fabric portal.
2. Connection Activation: Integrate the ability to activate connections directly after linking, removing the need to visit the Cloud Service Provider’s portal.
3. Enhance Product Flexibility: Incorporate functionality to handle pre-existing keys and streamline the process for creating redundant connections for both primary and secondary links.
4. Analytics Implementation: Deploy analytics to gather comprehensive user and product metrics, which will inform future design and functionality improvements.
Research Observations
Conducted interviews with internal users Global Solution Architects, Support Team of Fabric & Cloud Solution Architect customers to understand their experience with Create Virtual Connection flow. The user research disclosed below insights -
1. Multiportal fragmented process
2. Only single connection at a time
3. Lack of activation of connection
4. Lack of visibility to pricing quote
5. Naming of destination and device status unclear
Competitive Analysis
I did competitive analysis of existing tools which allow customers to create virtual connections to Cloud Service providers (AWS, Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud and Stateless). Key points observed -
1. Guided Stepper
2. Long form for multiple connections
3. Lack of visibility of steps
4. Nested sub-steps
User Flow Synthesis of Existing Solution
Design Variations
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Design Feedback
Final Solution
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