Designing an internal audit platform from the ground up
Our company had relied on a third-party system to manage internal review processes. When the decision was made to replace it, I led the design of a new tool built from scratch which allowed us to remove legacy constraints and focus on what users actually needed.
My role
- Led design strategy and execution across the full redesign
- Partnered with PMs and engineering to define scope and workflows
- Reviewed and aligned work across parallel design tracks to ensure cohesion
Goal #1
Replace a fragmented legacy system with a unified internal tool
Goal #2
Help users resolve errors efficiently during time-sensitive workflows
Goal #3
Create reusable patterns that scale across adjacent tools
Discovery & research
I kicked off the project with user interviews to understand their processes, workflows and edge cases. I mapped out system touchpoints using mind maps and collaborated with the design team to understand the entire process end-to-end across all systems.
Sketching & exploration
I used low-fi sketches and quick wireframes to explore layout, edge cases, and interaction patterns. This helped me and the product team make fast decisions without over-investing in early visuals.
Concept development
Once the direction started to take shape, I moved into higher fidelity design using our system components. I created patterns that weren’t originally apart of the system like tables, status cards and bulk action panels. These had to flex across multiple contexts but still feel consistent. I worked closely with product partners to clarify requirements while ensuring that the experience met the needs of our users and stakeholders.
Usability testing
To validate early concepts, I ran informal usability sessions focused on basic comprehension and task clarity. I used open-ended prompts to explore where users got stuck or misinterpreted the interface. Lightweight research helped me identify issues and iterate quickly.
Overall, the experience was well received and users were able to complete their tasks with minimal friction and a high degree of confidence.
Outcomes & impact
The platform rolled out gradually and supported smoother internal reviews from day one. It helped users complete tasks faster and reduced confusion at key steps.
- Supported thousands of processed forms within first quarter
- Created unified UX across three related systems
- Improved visibility, search, and filtering
- Balanced new design with familiar workflows
- Accelerated dev with reusable design system components
Post launch: Establishing a modern visual system
After launching the core workflows, I modernized the interface and created a simple design system with shared colors, type, and components. This brought consistency to the experience and made updates easy.
