Overview
Problems
— Overwhelming navigation and amount of content
“Too much text on the screen. It was hard to know where information was, where we should be directed to get started working on Vertex AI.”
— Irrelevant search bar results and poor query matching
"The CGC search bar isn't helpful. When we looked for info about Bison, it showed us links to GitHub repositories instead of foundational resources."
— Lack of clear, step-by-step guidance for non-technical users/beginners
"“As a beginner, I felt lost and unable to proceed because there is no clear starting point”."
Research
— We created this feasibility-impact matrix to identify key opportunities
Two ideas stood out: increasing the visibility of the Solution Generator and designing a tailored onboarding experience for non-technical users.
How Might We
— HMW provide clear onboarding for non-technical users
The landing page plays a key role in guiding users, but 95% of users we interviewed found it unhelpful.
Before
Lack of clear user guidance
Overemphasis on broad marketing content
After
Add a beginner section in the home page
Emphasize key products in the homepage
Persona tabs for responses based on your background
Put the Solution Genrator on top of Landing Page and Have Initial quiz for a more personalized experience
Rethinking Our Approach
Final Solution
— Guides users through a personalized, conversational interface that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps, making it easier to get started with confidence
Reflections
— Collaborating Across Silos
I collaborated with Google Cloud designers, Cornell faculty, and peers who all had different visions. At times it was hard to align, but learning to listen deeply taught me how to build trust across silos.
— Growing Through Discomfort
There were moments when I felt stuck or questioned my ideas. But navigating tough feedback and disagreements helped me find my voice and understand when to stand firm or adapt with grace.
— Designing with Heart and Backbone
In the end, I helped deliver a solution that reflected not just a team consensus, but a piece of myself. It reminded me that growth isn’t just about skill—it’s about showing up, staying open, and caring deeply.