Eze Wholesale
My Role
User Research, User Interface Design Interaction Design, Visual Design, User Flows, Rapid Prototyping
Year
2020
Project Context
Eze Wholesale is a Y Combinator-backed platform specializing in B2B trading of second-hand electronics, particularly smartphones. The company connects professional sellers with buyers, necessitating efficient and accurate inventory management to maintain smooth operations.
As a designer, I was responsible for the bulk upload process for users, focusing on enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and overall user experience. My role involved developing intuitive solutions that would streamline the process, reduce errors, and accommodate the diverse needs of users managing large inventories.
The Problem
The challenge was that our pro sellers manage large inventories with a wide variety of devices, each having different attributes. We needed to find the best way for them to upload these diverse inventories efficiently and accurately, ensuring a smooth and user-friendly experience.
The Goal
The goal was to find ways for users to upload their inventory effortlessly, using intuitive processes that would save time, minimize errors, and provide a seamless and user-friendly experience. This involved exploring various methods and ultimately focusing on developing device-specific templates, optimizing the CSV file upload process, and providing manual upload options to cater to different user needs
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Streamlined Inventory Upload
Research
The primary goal of user research was to deeply understand the needs, challenges, and expectations of professional sellers who manage large inventories. The research aimed to discover:
Current Workflow Insights
Understanding the existing workflow of sellers and identifying areas for improvement
Methodology
We chose user interviews to explore the pain points, goals, and workflows of our target audience. Contextual inquiries were selected to observe users in real-time as they managed their current B2B transactions, providing us with a deeper understanding of their challenges and the context in which our platform would be used.
Depth Interviews
Conducted with 15 pro sellers who are potential users of Eze Wholesale’s new platform, focusing on their current processes and frustrations.
Surveys
Distributed to a broader group of sellers to gather quantitative data on bulk upload usage, challenges, and preferences.
Key Findings
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Simplicity is Key 🔐
Sellers prioritize a streamlined, fast process over feature-rich but complex tools
Opportnities
Attract sellers by offering superior upload experience compared to competitors
Provide value-added services like pricing assistance to differentiate from competitors
Build trust with sellers by offering market insights
Build a flexible system that can evolve with seller needs
Solution Ideations
Iterations
Implementation and Testing; Designs iterated by concept testing and feedback
Through iterative design, driven by concept testing and feedback, we refined key features of the app. Below are the major changes made based on insights gathered from user testing and internal design critiques
Design Decision 1;
Spreadsheet upload initial variation
I began by examining the entire process of uploading inventory via a spreadsheet, with the goal of making it as seamless as possible. I first outlined the key tasks and carefully mapped out each step of the user journey. To visualize this, I created quick wireframes and conducted a usability test with an interactive Figma prototype.
The initial testing reveal two crucial insights
The testing revealed two crucial insights: our error handling wasn’t robust enough, leading to user confusion, and the one-size-fits-all sample CSV file didn’t accommodate the diverse needs of our users’ inventories. These discoveries were pivotal in shaping the final design. I focused on improving error handling and creating a more flexible template system, ensuring that the upload process was intuitive and adaptable to various inventory types.
Design Decision 1;
Spreadsheet upload Second variation
To address these issues, I implemented several key enhancements
After usability testing revealed that error handling and the use of a generic template were not optimal, I decided to explore alternative solutions.
Device-Specific Templates: By introducing templates tailored to specific devices, users could more easily input relevant data, reducing confusion and errors.
Column Matching for Headers: I added a feature that allows users to match their data columns with the appropriate headers, ensuring greater accuracy during the upload process
Data Table Preview with Inline Editing: I incorporated a preview of the data table before final submission. This preview not only allowed users to review their entries but also enabled inline editing for each sell, making it easier to correct mistakes on the spot.
After implementing these changes, I conducted a second round of usability testing. The results showed significant improvements:
Error Reduction: The number of upload errors decreased by 40%, demonstrating the effectiveness of the device-specific templates and column matching.
User Efficiency: Time spent on the bulk upload process was reduced by 30%, thanks to the streamlined data input and inline editing capabilities.
User Satisfaction: User feedback indicated a 25% increase in satisfaction with the new process, particularly praising the clarity and ease of use.
Design Decision 2
Manual upload
Manual listing is an effective option, particularly for wholesalers with smaller inventories or those requiring detailed, custom descriptions for each product. I enhanced this method by adding features such as real-time validation, a draft and review system, and batch entry tools to make the manual process more efficient and user-friendly.
Design Decision 3
Templates
With listing templates, users no longer have to start from scratch each time they list an item. Templates also help ensure that users provide consistent information across all their listings. Once a template is set up, it's easy to revise, rename, or delete as needed.
Implementaion
Implementation
Working closely with the development team, we successfully launched enhanced inventory management features through phased rollouts. Strategic collaboration with engineering ensured accurate implementation of the bulk upload system, CSV validation, and template features. Regular syncs with product and engineering teams allowed us to quickly iterate on feedback and optimize performance.
Outcomes
Project Outcome
Post-launch metrics demonstrated significant improvements in seller operations:
Reduced inventory upload errors by 48% through improved validation
Increased bulk upload success rates with device-specific templates
Streamlined listing process saving sellers an average 2-3 hours per upload
Higher seller satisfaction reflected in 75% positive feedback
Decreased support tickets for upload issues by 35%
Successfully onboarded hundreds of pro sellers to the new system
Lessons
Lessons Learned
User-Centered Design is Essential: Direct engagement with sellers revealed crucial pain points in inventory management, leading to streamlined upload solutions and improved CSV validation.
Flexibility is Key: In a startup, roles can be fluid, and you often need to wear multiple hats. This experience enhanced my ability to adapt, stay agile, and contribute in various capacities to get the job done.
Platform-Specific Insights: Working with B2B sellers highlighted unique requirements for handling large inventories: need for bulk operations, robust error handling, flexible upload options, and clear validation feedback.