Oracle, Peoplesoft

Usability Engineer, Applications User Experience, PeopleSoft.

Oracle is the world's largest supplier of database and enterprise software. Oracle software is the world's favorite solution for fully distributed computing. Oracle products drive applications for sales and e-marketing, accounting, human resources, and manufacturing.

In June 2016, I joined the fine team of Applications User Experience (Apps UX) at Oracle as a Usability Engineer contractor to support the legacy software of PeopleSoft.  As a researcher I had an opportunity to asses both mobile and web applications of the customizable application that serves millions of customers across the world.  For the enterprise usability sessions I collaborated with the stakeholders and managed the project from start to finish.  Not only did I conduct lab studies at the Pleasanton and Redwood city campuses, but I also got a chance to conduct a variety of studies at the conference in San Francisco at Open World' 16.  

UX Project Lead for 'To be' or 'Not to be', a project for a left sliding panel.

I was given an opportunity to lead this crucial time sensitive strategic project from start to end with the support from Harris Kravatz, the Director of UX, PeopleSoft.  

GOAL:

The research question that was under consideration was 'would the participants notice and make use of a specific component, if it was an unusual element that was not established from any past websites.'  

CHALLENGE:

There were strong proponents to either side of this dilemma.  On one side was a technical issue and on another side was the usability issue.  Our team of UX professionals argued that if its not visible, easily findable, or does not indicate any affordances, it may be tricky for the users.  Technical gurus suggested that with the given limitations of the legacy systems, there was no better alternative to provide users with the necessary content as well as provide the squarefootage.   

PROCESS:

In this process I consulted the information architects, the technical leads and the developers to understand the limitations of the legacy system and the critical aspect of this design element.  Given the timeline constraint within the next agile launch, I developed a qualitative A-B design plan for the usability study with the help of Harris.  After working out the preliminary details, I invited the core team members from different areas of design, development, and management to join the effort to work on this key design element, some joined in person and others via online meetings.  With a collaborative effort with the designers and developers, we created a prototype, discussed limitations of the prototype, provided key design factors to consider, etc. 

USABILITY STUDY:

With my toolkit ready with the live environment and then prototype, I designed a qualitative A-B design plan study that randomized participants in two groups. These participants were further counter-balanced to capture their first impressions and avoid learning bias.  Then I ran a study with 16 participants where I tested the live environment as well as the seemingly identical prototype with the new element.  

OUTCOME:

It turned out to be a surprising study where usability standards were certainly tested.  As it happens in real life, business objectives were attained with a mutual agreement between the technical and the UX sides   

Please contact me directly to view the keynote presentations created for this project.

Recommendations Received

"I had the pleasure of working with Maithili during her time at Oracle. Her enthusiasm for life had an immediate impact on an otherwise quiet office. Despite being new to the Oracle Applications User Experience team, Maithili came in with a wealth of knowledge to share with others, and was a colleague you could consistently rely on for assistance, always happy to share her expertise. I'm saddened to see her go, but am confident she will be a valued asset to any company lucky enough to have her." From Claire Swarthout.

"Maithili and I were in different groups but worked in the same office. When she joined us, our office was rather sterile; she immediately set out to change that. She put up clever decorations and energized our social circle, making the office a much more welcoming and convivial place. She was hungry to learn everything she could about user research and worked hard to contribute. Her compassion and patience from her previous career as a therapist was a powerful resource. I feel lucky to have worked with her." From John Cartan.

"Although I only had the chance to work with Maithili on one project, one can immediately sense her passion and excitement for user experience, as well as her compassion in dealing with people. I would have liked to work with her more, and learn from her rich, interesting background." From Ben Bendig.

Apart from the regular duties as a Usability Engineer, I turned a seemingly boring office space in a fun area- by decorating and planning seasonal activities, digging through some minute to win it kind of games and celebrate with food and memories.  Not only did this bring the spirit alive, I also valued the presence of each and everyone while being at Oracle!