Transforming STRIAD AI:

Enhancing Usability to Lead in the Private Market

STRIAD AI sample - Step 1 • Competitor Analysis
Overview of part of the document created in Confluence

STRIAD AI • Report
before redesign

STRIAD AI • Form
before redesign

STRIAD AI • Form
One of the main issue about the form was the lack
of visual cues regarding the length of each form

Step 2 • Design Direction Journey

Next, I mapped out a design direction journey, tracing past UI decisions and exploring alternative solutions.

This process involved assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each previous iteration, identifying opportunities for improvement, and evaluating new approaches that could enhance user experience.

This helped me identify which changes would have the most impact. It provided clarity on which design elements needed refinement, allowing me to prioritise improvements that would enhance usability and visual appeal.

BEFORE

AFTER

Step 4 • Documentation and Stakeholder Alignment

I documented every design decision, connecting them to user pain points and business goals.
During a presentation to stakeholders, PMs, and the product team, I outlined how these changes would improve user satisfaction and retention.

By sharing this document with stakeholders and the product team, I help build trust, facilitate buy-in, and drive strategic alignment.

Measuring Impact

While the redesign addressed immediate pain points, I identified further opportunities to enhance retention, including:

— Attract (UI appeal) increased from 71% to 85%.

— Convert (user retention) rose from 66% to 75%.

The changes directly addressed user complaints, such as crowded questionnaires and unclear navigation.

The product’s appeal and visual identity are better aligned with the target audience.

Additionally, the success rate of completing tasks within STRIAD improved, reinforcing the value of the redesign.

In March 2024, the government introduced the AI Act, a transformative regulation requiring compliance from AI-powered tools handling sensitive data.

For STRIAD AI, Trilateral Research’s flagship platform, this marked a critical moment. Designed to help organisations manage data effectively and collaborate seamlessly while adhering to privacy regulations, STRIAD faced new pressures to remain competitive in the private market.

As a Senior UX/UI Designer, I was tasked with making STRIAD more appealing, functional, and user-focused in a crowded market.

Understanding the Problem

To start, I conducted a comprehensive survey using Microsoft Forms to assess STRIAD’s performance from a user perspective, employing the Attract, Connect, Convert (ACC) methodology:

— Attract
How visually appealing and engaging is the product?

— Connect
Does the product address user pain points and needs?

— Convert
Does the product encourage long-term, consistent use?

The survey revealed compelling insights:

— 91% felt the product effectively connected with their needs.
— Only 71% found the interface visually engaging.
— A concerning 66% expressed doubts about ongoing use, indicating weak retention.

The feedback underscored two key issues:

The UI needed significant improvement to better attract users.
The product required features communication and customer support features to create user retention.
This case study focuses on how I enhanced the former, which in turn had a significant impact on the latter.

Designing a Solution

Step 1 • Competitor Analysis

I began with a visual competitor analysis, examining STRIAD’s design against similar platforms. Key areas of focus and main product features included:

— Repository layout

— Questionnaire presentation

— Sidebar navigation

— Color schemes

This analysis highlighted opportunities to refine STRIAD’s design and better align it with user expectations.
Additionally, I read through the user feedbacks from our previous testing sessions to create a parallel with the user survey result.

STRIAD AI sample - Step 3 • Redesign the Product
Each destination in the navigation bar includes two pages a "Repository” - enable the user to access all the compliance forms - and "Forms” - enable the user to create or record a compliance form.

Step 3 • Redesigning the Product

With these insights, I reimagined STRIAD’s interface with the following main design features:

— Streamlined the “Forms”: Introduced a stepper for better navigation and reduced cognitive load.

— Refined visual hierarchy: Addressed cluttered layouts and replaced black lines with softer, more user-friendly elements.

— Enhanced color scheme: Adopted a classic palette to improve visual appeal to the target audience.

Next Steps

While the redesign addressed immediate pain points, I identified further opportunities to enhance retention, including:

— In-app notifications to guide users.

— Comprehensive user guides for onboarding.

— Feedback forms for continuous improvement.

— Improved download features for reports and data exports.

We also began integrating the UI updates into Storybook to standardise components and foster collaboration between designers and engineers.

Reflection

This project demonstrated the power of user-driven design to transform a product’s competitive standing.
By addressing visual appeal and retention-focused features, STRIAD AI not only adapted to regulatory pressures but also positioned itself as a trusted, modern solution for private market clients. It was a rewarding challenge, showcasing the strategic role of UX/UI in meeting both user needs and business goals.