Analysis & new concept of user interface
Having targeted the needs of AEGON company we analyzed and developed a calculator user interface for their sales representatives. Ease of use, efficiency and serviceability were the main requirements emphasized for the new solution.
AEGON Czech Republic, one of the leading players in the Czech insurance market, have addressed us with the requirement for creating a user interface for their application – insurance scheme calculator. In the following description you can find out how our team’s incentive helped create a unique product which today helps hundreds of investment advisors carry out their daily tasks.
What where the client’s needs?
AEGON ČR disposed of its own development sources, therefore the client laid out a clear requirement for us – to design and implement a user interface in XAML format.
What did we offer to our client
We at Memos share the opinion that a user interface accompanying any program, application or web presentation should be, above all, well usable and it should respond to real needs, i.e. live conditions of its users. In view of this commitment we worked out a complex analysis for the application intended for deployment in AEGON ČR; we met with users in person to discuss and explore their real needs and requirements and existing conditions, methods how they worked with the previous program version, etc. As a result of our analysis we built a user interface design providing efficiency not only in facilitating daily routine work for the program users, but also in resolving some problems which had not been previously addressed. We were able, for example, to decrease the time a typical user needed to learn the basics of working with the application (and this also decreased the demand for initial training), and to facilitate and slim down communication which is necessary between the user program and the company’s helpdesk.
How did the analysis proceed
Following a few introductory meetings with program developers we have stepped up to analyse the preceding version which showed essential shortfalls in the ergonomics for controllability. During interviews with AEGON development section we realized that users had requested some changes in the application which finally made their work easier, but the non-conceptional integration of modifications into the application caused a totally incomprehensive concept imposing confusion especially on new or less frequent users. We have also observed how users worked with the old application and found out which steps caused them the most frequent problems, and which enquiries or requests were usually addressed to the helpdesk.
It came out that the program required knowledge of a considerably large amount of information, especially in the financial sphere, which could change quite dynamically in course of time. The basic proposal was essentially focused at using context-oriented [online] help within the application to easily explain each step to less experienced users, to clarify what are the different elements within the application and how can the user work with them. Later on, this step proved the positive effect on the basic training focused at working with the program, as the initial response from most users after viewing the program tended to be “fine, everything’s clear, no need to explain anything else..”.
A highly important issue which passed through the whole analysis was to acquire a thorough understanding of the purpose of the application, thus grasping the knowledge of insurance products alone (investment and life insurance, etc.). This was a step absolutely necessary for understanding the needs of our users and delivering a top quality result of our work.
Application design in its principle
The outcomes of the completed analysis provided the basis for creating a wire model, a so-called wireframe. This model did not contain any graphical elements, so we were able to test the functionality of the set up software function components, help items and other elements. After the wireframe was approved, we created an application prototype which served as the basis for a further graphical design and a final design for the whole interface.
We created front-end XAML interfaces, i.e. application templates, using Microsoft Expression Blend 3 software tool which helped us create a semi-functional prototype of the desired application. Further on, we tested the prototype with real users and harnessed a huge amount of knowledge which we then incorporated into the interface in a way that the resulting application yielded better serviceability to users. Following the implementation of all changes, the front-end environment was successfuly connected to the application core in cooperation with developers, and from that moment, nothing hindered the way to the origination of a new calculator for AEGON’s products.
Conclusion
In order to constitute a first-rate, user-friendly environment we had to get familiar with AEGON products and processes in detail and cultivate intensive communication with real future end-users. Without these foundation pillars, the result could not reach the expected quality level.
Maintaining intensive communication with the supplier is very important at any time. An IT software solution which is supposed to be a true business benefit should convey the possibility for analysts or consultants to gain a deep knowledge – literally to get down to the logic of organization’s internal processes and to learn their products in every detail.
AEGON is a leader in the worldwide insurance industry, providing life insurance, pensions, savings and investment products. The company employs almost 30 thousand people. AEGON has been active in the Czech Republic market since 2005, with special focus on life insurance and investment products.