Magalu Cloud
Cloud Platform (IaaS/PaaS) · SMB Self-Service · Multi-tenant
Client
Magalu Cloud
Role
UX Design Lead and Product Strategist
duration
8 months
Year
2023
location
São Paulo, Brazil (Remote)
Brief
Leading a multifaceted team to design, develop, and launch foundational cloud services and a corporate website, setting new standards in the Brazilian tech sector.
Challenge
The greatest challenge for this project was preparing my team for the launch of Brazil's first cloud computing platform. We had to ensure that every detail was perfectly executed while coordinating efforts across various disciplines, including journalists, press personnel, influencers, communication and advertising professionals, and even high-level directors. This required precise planning and effective communication to align all stakeholders with our goals, ensuring that our messaging was clear and consistent. The result was a successful launch that demonstrated our team's ability to deliver a groundbreaking platform while handling the intense scrutiny that comes with such a high-profile event.
Context
Magalu Cloud, created by the major retail company Magazine Luiza, was designed to help Brazil's tech sector grow. It offers affordable cloud services to help local businesses expand, providing low prices and personalized support. Magalu went beyond its own needs to help a wider range of businesses, creating a strong and diverse ecosystem, transforming how technology is accessed, and opening up new opportunities throughout Brazil.
Objectives
- Design and develop a robust, user-friendly cloud platform.
- Implement foundational features like VM, OS, BS, Network, K8s, DBaaS, Billing, and Identity.
- Develop a corporate website that serves as a showcase for products.
- Align all stakeholders with clear and consistent messaging for the launch.
Design Decisions
- User-Centric Features: Based on research, we focused on features most valued by younger users, such as mobile-first design, intuitive navigation, and personalized financial tools.
- Visual Design: We modernized the visual design to be more vibrant and engaging, aligning with the preferences of the younger demographic.
- Usability Enhancements: Simplified user flows and improved accessibility to ensure a seamless user experience.
Issues
- Team Coordination: I had to ensure that communication was clear and that everyone was aligned with our goals. I regularly organized virtual meetings and used collaboration tools to keep everyone on the same page and motivated.
- Gathering Feedback: I implemented structured feedback loops at every stage of the development process. There was a period when the team was without a leader, so I established a functional structure to ensure the mental well-being of my team.
- Managing and Updating the Design System: I reviewed and updated our design standards and components to ensure consistency and scalability across all our cloud services and the corporate website. Although we were already using a Design System developed by Magalu for e-commerce, we identified the need for updates because some aspects of our components did not align with our products. Specifically, the retail components differed significantly from the cloud interface components.
- Strategic Implementation: I facilitated strategy sessions with the team to map out short and long-term objectives, ensuring that we were not only reactive to current trends but also proactive in anticipating future demands.
Results
The project successfully launched Brazil's first cloud computing platform. Key outcomes included:
- Released four key products, including the cloud platform and corporate website.
- Improved internal alignment and stakeholder communication.
- Established a strong foundation for future growth and innovation in cloud services.
Learnings
During my tenure working on various projects, I learned to effectively align different disciplines while ensuring clear communication and shared goals among team members. This experience sharpened my agile project management skills, allowing for rapid iteration and continuous improvement. I gained a deeper understanding of technical challenges in cloud services, particularly in areas such as security and scalability. Additionally, I strengthened my ability to build stakeholder relationships and advocate for a user-centric design approach. Balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives, I successfully created a strategic plan for the cloud platform's growth, ensuring its sustainability and adaptability in a fast-evolving technological landscape.
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