TESLA
Internal app tracking R&D projects to optimize the infrastructure process.
10 min read
Role
Product Designer, Project Coordinator
Duration
Jan 2023-May 2023
Tools
Figma, Jira, Excel, Power BI
Team
Justin Luu, Product Designer
Kelley Ieong, Program Manager
Selene Reyes, Data Scientist
Kean Lee, Project Controls Analyst
Responsibilities
End-to-end Design
User Research
Prototyping
Product Testing
CONTEXT
Building the infrastructure that fuels Tesla's R&D breakthroughs.
Tesla’s Research and Design Infrastructure Division supports the rapid development of cutting-edge projects. From 2021 to 2023, I contributed to various design and construction initiatives as a Project Coordinator and Associate Project Manager. One project in particular allowed me to apply my UX design skills in a new way.
Before I joined Tesla, infrastructure project updates were managed manually through a shared folder and excel system, making tracking and coordination inefficient. With multiple teams such as the executive, project controls, design, and construction teams working together, a centralized platform was long overdue. Under the guidance of the Senior Director of Infrastructure, I collaborated with internal product teams to design a dashboard application to organize and streamline project management, ensuring Tesla’s infrastructure projects could keep up with the company’s pace of innovation.
Tesla’s Research and Design Infrastructure Division supports the rapid development of cutting-edge projects. From 2021 to 2023, I contributed to various design and construction initiatives as a Project Coordinator and Associate Project Manager. One project in particular allowed me to apply my UX design skills in a new way.
Before I joined Tesla, infrastructure project updates were managed manually through a shared folder and excel system, making tracking and coordination inefficient. With multiple teams such as the executive, project controls, design, and construction teams working together, a centralized platform was long overdue. Under the guidance of the Senior Director of Infrastructure, I collaborated with internal product teams to design a dashboard application to organize and streamline project management, ensuring Tesla’s infrastructure projects could keep up with the company’s pace of innovation.
Tesla’s Research and Design Infrastructure Division supports the rapid development of cutting-edge projects. From 2021 to 2023, I contributed to various design and construction initiatives as a Project Coordinator and Associate Project Manager. One project in particular allowed me to apply my UX design skills in a new way.
Before I joined Tesla, infrastructure project updates were managed manually through a shared folder and excel system, making tracking and coordination inefficient. With multiple teams such as the executive, project controls, design, and construction teams working together, a centralized platform was long overdue. Under the guidance of the Senior Director of Infrastructure, I collaborated with internal product teams to design a dashboard application to organize and streamline project management, ensuring Tesla’s infrastructure projects could keep up with the company’s pace of innovation.
SOLUTION
Highlights
0.1 DESKTOP & MOBILE WEB LAYOUT.
0.2 ACTIVE PROJECTS PAGE.
0.3 FINANCIAL LEDGER EXPORT
RESEARCH
Initial Problem Space
Early on, it became clear that relying on shared folders and spreadsheets across multiple teams for hundreds of company-wide infrastructure projects was creating a major bottleneck. Critical information was scattered, hard to access, and at risk for deletion with only one copy. The current organization of budgets, status reports, schedules, and even drawings confused and slowed collaboration among multiple teams.
Early on, it became clear that relying on shared folders and spreadsheets across multiple teams for hundreds of company-wide infrastructure projects was creating a major bottleneck. Critical information was scattered, hard to access, and at risk for deletion with only one copy. The current organization of budgets, status reports, schedules, and even drawings confused and slowed collaboration among multiple teams.
As more teams got involved, the outdated folder system became harder to manage. With no real-time updates or clear version control, important details were buried under multiple layers, causing delays and confusion. It was clear we needed a more centralized approach, so we turned to user research to guide us toward a better solution.
As more teams got involved, the outdated folder system became harder to manage. With no real-time updates or clear version control, important details were buried under multiple layers, causing delays and confusion. It was clear we needed a more centralized approach, so we turned to user research to guide us toward a better solution.
Disorganized File Structure
Each folder represented a different infrastructure project, creating a maze of overlapping documents
Inconsistent naming and version control made it hard to pinpoint the latest or most accurate files.
Navigating through subfolders and repeated files took valuable time away from actual project work.
Disorganized File Structure
Each folder represented a different infrastructure project, creating a maze of overlapping documents
Inconsistent naming and version control made it hard to pinpoint the latest or most accurate files.
Navigating through subfolders and repeated files took valuable time away from actual project work.
Overreliance on Excel
Budget and schedule data lived in a single Excel file, with multiple tabs quickly becoming cumbersome.
Multiple editors updated the same file leading to version control issues and a higher risk of errors.
Relying on manual data entry slows down real-time tracking and makes forecasting less reliable.
Overreliance on Excel
Budget and schedule data lived in a single Excel file, with multiple tabs quickly becoming cumbersome.
Multiple editors updated the same file leading to version control issues and a higher risk of errors.
Relying on manual data entry slows down real-time tracking and makes forecasting less reliable.
RESEARCH
User Interviews
To better understand how teams were managing project information and uncover specific user needs and pain points, I sat down to interview and shadow three Tesla Project Managers, Superintendents and Coordinators who actively worked on infrastructure projects gaining insight on their roles at the company.
To better understand how teams were managing project information and uncover specific user needs and pain points, I sat down to interview and shadow three Tesla Project Managers, Superintendents and Coordinators who actively worked on infrastructure projects gaining insight on their roles at the company.
Interview Focused Questions:
Interview Focused Questions:
Current Tracking Methods
Can you describe a typical day and the most frequent tasks you perform?
How do you keep track of budgets, project status, and schedules?
Challenges & Workarounds
What obstacles do you face when searching for or updating files?
Have you found any tools or processes that improve collaboration or, alternatively, slow you down?
Collaboration & Status Updates
How do you currently share status updates with your team and stakeholders?
Which tools (email, spreadsheets, shared folders) do you rely on, and what limitations do you face?
Current Tracking Methods
Can you describe a typical day and the most frequent tasks you perform?
How do you keep track of budgets, project status, and schedules?
Challenges & Workarounds
What obstacles do you face when searching for or updating files?
Have you found any tools or processes that improve collaboration or, alternatively, slow you down?
Collaboration & Status Updates
How do you currently share status updates with your team and stakeholders?
Which tools (email, spreadsheets, shared folders) do you rely on, and what limitations do you face?
RESEARCH
Affinity Map
After conducting user interviews and analyzing the existing infrastructure management process, I created an affinity map to identify the most common pain points for Tesla’s Project Managers, Superintendents, and Coordinators. This map guided our redesign strategy by highlighting issues with file organization, budget tracking, and real-time updates, ensuring that the new platform directly addresses these users’ day-to-day needs.
After conducting user interviews and analyzing the existing infrastructure management process, I created an affinity map to identify the most common pain points for Tesla’s Project Managers, Superintendents, and Coordinators. This map guided our redesign strategy by highlighting issues with file organization, budget tracking, and real-time updates, ensuring that the new platform directly addresses these users’ day-to-day needs.
Key User Research Findings:
A Unified Platform- Users want one place to manage budgets, schedules, and documentation without navigating multiple folders/ file locations
Real-Time Updates- Users want instant visibility and access into project changes, milestones, and progress tracking.
Streamlined Reporting- Users want automated summaries and dashboards for leadership, reducing manual data compilation.
Key User Research Findings:
A Unified Platform- Users want one place to manage budgets, schedules, and documentation without navigating multiple folders/ file locations
Real-Time Updates- Users want instant visibility and access into project changes, milestones, and progress tracking.
Streamlined Reporting- Users want automated summaries and dashboards for leadership, reducing manual data compilation.
SYNTHESIS
Design Goals
Through comprehensive user interviews, in-depth system analysis, affinity mapping, and pain point identification, I found that users primarily focus on three core needs: centralizing project data, maintaining accurate budgets, and ensuring real-time status updates. Building on these insights, I crafted the following redesign goals in a “How Might We” format for Tesla’s internal project management platform.
Design Goals:
How might we create a unified platform that allows teams to quickly locate, update, and share critical files—eliminating the need to sift through endless folders or duplicate documents?
How might we integrate automated budget and scheduling tools to reduce manual input and errors, while providing real-time cost and timeline insights?
How might we enable real-time collaboration and reporting so that both on-site teams and executives have immediate, consistent access to project updates?
Through comprehensive user interviews, in-depth system analysis, affinity mapping, and pain point identification, I found that users primarily focus on three core needs: centralizing project data, maintaining accurate budgets, and ensuring real-time status updates. Building on these insights, I crafted the following redesign goals in a “How Might We” format for Tesla’s internal project management platform.
Design Goals:
How might we create a unified platform that allows teams to quickly locate, update, and share critical files—eliminating the need to sift through endless folders or duplicate documents?
How might we integrate automated budget and scheduling tools to reduce manual input and errors, while providing real-time cost and timeline insights?
How might we enable real-time collaboration and reporting so that both on-site teams and executives have immediate, consistent access to project updates?
Through comprehensive user interviews, in-depth system analysis, affinity mapping, and pain point identification, I found that users primarily focus on three core needs: centralizing project data, maintaining accurate budgets, and ensuring real-time status updates. Building on these insights, I crafted the following redesign goals in a “How Might We” format for Tesla’s internal project management platform.
Design Goals:
How might we create a unified platform that allows teams to quickly locate, update, and share critical files—eliminating the need to sift through endless folders or duplicate documents?
How might we integrate automated budget and scheduling tools to reduce manual input and errors, while providing real-time cost and timeline insights?
How might we enable real-time collaboration and reporting so that both on-site teams and executives have immediate, consistent access to project updates?
IDEATION
User Flow
With the new application goals in mind and after synthesizing our research, I created a user flow to illustrate the different paths Project Managers, Coordinators, and Superintendents might take when navigating the platform through the phases of an infrastructure project. This user flow identifies the critical decision points and pages needed in the application.
With the new application goals in mind and after synthesizing our research, I created a user flow to illustrate the different paths Project Managers, Coordinators, and Superintendents might take when navigating the platform through the phases of an infrastructure project. This user flow identifies the critical decision points and pages needed in the application.
IDEATION
Low Fidelity
Following the user flows, I sketched some low fidelity wireframes of my initial thought processes based on our research, design and business goals for the app. The low fidelity sketches offered a first look at how our platform might function with all the key features integrated.
Following the user flows, I sketched some low fidelity wireframes of my initial thought processes based on our research, design and business goals for the app. The low fidelity sketches offered a first look at how our platform might function with all the key features integrated.
IDEATION
Mid Fidelity
After the initial low fidelity sketches, I moved to Figma to create the structural layout of the app in a desktop view. Here we aimed to visualize and present to management what a potential end-to-end experience could look like by showcasing key functionalities, interactions, and page flows.
After the initial low fidelity sketches, I moved to Figma to create the structural layout of the app in a desktop view. Here we aimed to visualize and present to management what a potential end-to-end experience could look like by showcasing key functionalities, interactions, and page flows.
IDEATION
High Fidelity/ First Iteration
After finalizing a few high-fidelity screens in Figma, we released an initial version for testing to a select group of users. This early design showcased a focus on core features like data dashboards, real-time updates, and a centralized platform interface to test its potential against the existing systems.
After finalizing a few high-fidelity screens in Figma, we released an initial version for testing to a select group of users. This early design showcased a focus on core features like data dashboards, real-time updates, and a centralized platform interface to test its potential against the existing systems.
User Testing
After rolling out our initial iteration, we moved into a focused user testing phase. We observed how users navigated the interface and collected detailed feedback on usability and clarity. Their insights revealed key areas for improvement.
After rolling out our initial iteration, we moved into a focused user testing phase. We observed how users navigated the interface and collected detailed feedback on usability and clarity. Their insights revealed key areas for improvement.
#1
#1
The new app is a big step up from our old Excel sheets, but it's still a bit cluttered. There's so much info on the screen that it's hard to know where to navigate.
The new app is a big step up from our old Excel sheets, but it's still a bit cluttered. There's so much info on the screen that it's hard to know where to navigate.
Users appreciate the move away from Excel sheets and folders, yet the busy layout makes it difficult to pinpoint critical information quickly. This clutter adds friction in daily use.
#2
#2
I appreciate not having to dig through endless folders, but some key project details are still buried in deep menus. It'd be great to see that info upfront.
I appreciate not having to dig through endless folders, but some key project details are still buried in deep menus. It'd be great to see that info upfront.
The interface has nested menus making important details hidden from sight. The streamlining of information hierarchy is needed for a more optimal user experience.
#3
#3
The redesign is a definite improvement over past methods, but it doesn’t fully capture Tesla’s distinctive style.
The redesign is a definite improvement over past methods, but it doesn’t fully capture Tesla’s distinctive style.
Users approve of the functional enhancements in the new design, yet feel it lacks Tesla's iconic visual identity. Incorporating Tesla’s brand aesthetics could improve engagement and foster a sense of familiarity and consistency.
IDEATION
Major Redesigns
Their feedback drove three major design decisions that addressed critical user challenges and also aligned the platform with Tesla’s brand.
Their feedback drove three major design decisions that addressed critical user challenges and also aligned the platform with Tesla’s brand.
Information Architecture
I streamlined the navigation by simplifying the nav bar, addressing user concerns about clutter and confusion.
I introduced project cards that clearly display status, name, and budget, replacing the overly dense table view.
I redesigned the project table to present clear, uncluttered information, allowing users to quickly access critical details.
Information Architecture
I streamlined the navigation by simplifying the nav bar, addressing user concerns about clutter and confusion.
I introduced project cards that clearly display status, name, and budget, replacing the overly dense table view.
I redesigned the project table to present clear, uncluttered information, allowing users to quickly access critical details.
Scalability
Based on feedback we designed the interface to work seamlessly across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices for consistent access to project information.
We enhanced security measures to keep sensitive project data safe and accessible only to authorized users.
Scalability
Based on feedback we designed the interface to work seamlessly across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices for consistent access to project information.
We enhanced security measures to keep sensitive project data safe and accessible only to authorized users.
Visual Identity
I utilized Tesla's existing design system and drew inspiration from their website and apps to ensure a consistent, on-brand look.
Refined the color palette and typography to match Tesla’s signature minimalistic and futuristic aesthetic.
Visual Identity
I utilized Tesla's existing design system and drew inspiration from their website and apps to ensure a consistent, on-brand look.
Refined the color palette and typography to match Tesla’s signature minimalistic and futuristic aesthetic.
SOLUTION
Final Design
0.1 DESKTOP
0.2 EXPORTING
0.3 DOCUMENTATION
0.4 MOBILE SCREENS
REFLECTION
Conclusion
ABOUT THE PROJECT
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Our redesign represented a huge leap forward in streamlining Tesla’s infrastructure project management. We transformed a cluttered, outdated system into a centralized platform that effectively addresses key challenges and pain points of users. This transformation has led to improvements in daily workflows and overall efficiency across all levels of management.
SUCCESS METRICS
SUCCESS METRICS
Adoption Rate
Increased app adoption to 85% among target teams within 2 months, up from 50% in the initial iteration.
Efficiency Gain
Improved project transparency and reduced manual data updates by 30%, increasing efficiency.
User Satisfaction
Strong positive feedback received from users with many praising the improved workflow of their tasks.
Error Reduction
Lowered data and reporting errors by 70%, reducing miscommunications and rework.
NEXT STEPS
NEXT STEPS
Moving forward, we plan to continuously evolve the platform through ongoing user testing, interface refinements, and the introduction of new features. Our next steps include:
Conducting additional user testing to iterate and refine the interface based on ongoing feedback.
Expanding the design to include additional functionalities to the app. (Project Drawings, Daily Logs, Scheduling)
Enhancing visual design on interface elements that were not fully explored.
Next Project
ECOA - SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES
AR/VR
MOBILE APP
UX/UI DESIGN
An educational app teaching sustainable building practices through interactive learning, augmented reality, and gamification features.
