Optimizing Editorial Workflows
Industry
Design, Media
Client
Vox Media
Service
Product Design
Date
April 2019
This project improved the search experience for editorial users by addressing the challenges of a minimal, unintuitive UI. The redesign focused on enhancing usability, streamlining workflows, and creating a more accessible and efficient tool for teams.
Overview
This project focused on improving the Chorus platform to better support the unique needs of editorial teams, including writers, editors, designers, and social media contributors. By addressing challenges such as fragmented workflows, limited search functionality, and lack of customization, the initiative aimed to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. The enhancements provided more intuitive tools for planning, managing, and sharing content, tailored to the roles and workflows of diverse teams.
The Challenge
Editorial teams faced inefficiencies due to rigid workflows, limited filtering and search options, and disconnected navigation across the platform. Key user pain points included:
Difficulty finding and organizing content.
Ineffective dashboard sorting and lack of personalization.
Limited commenting and notification capabilities for collaboration.
These challenges reduced productivity and made it harder for teams to meet deadlines and maintain content quality.
The Process
Research and Requirements Gathering: Conducted interviews and user research to identify pain points and prioritize features.
Feature Design and Validation: Designed features such as saved searches, customizable dashboards, workflow management, and enhanced notifications. Prototyped solutions and tested with users for feedback.
Implementation Strategy: Delivered a phased rollout of features, starting with high-priority improvements like search UX, dashboard personalization, and workflow flexibility.
The Solution
The updated platform introduced:
Saved Searches: Allowing users to save and access frequent queries easily.
Customizable Dashboards: Personalized columns and sorting options for better organization.
Enhanced Workflow Management: Configurable workflows tailored to editorial teams’ processes.
Improved Collaboration Tools: Expanded commenting functionality and integrated notifications for better communication.
Impact
The enhancements significantly improved efficiency, collaboration, and user satisfaction. Editorial teams now benefit from a streamlined workflow, easier navigation, and tools that adapt to their specific roles, enabling them to focus on creating high-quality content.
