Google Cloud
Google Cloud
Google Cloud
Guiding non-technical builders through a personalized journey to build their projects with Google Cloud.
Guiding non-technical builders through a personalized journey to build their projects with Google Cloud.
I partnered with Google Cloud to reimagine the onboarding experience for non-technical users exploring AI-driven cloud tools. Our goal was to make cloud development more accessible and confidence-building for first-time builders.
Role
UX Designer
Role
UX Designer
Role
UX Designer
Timeline
Jan 2025 - May 2025
Timeline
Jan 2025 - May 2025
Timeline
Jan 2025 - May 2025
Collaboration
4 UX Designers 6 UX Researchers 2 Design Managers 1 UX Research Manager 3 Supervisors
Collaboration
4 UX Designers 6 UX Researchers 2 Design Managers 1 UX Research Manager 3 Supervisors
Collaboration
4 UX Designers 6 UX Researchers 2 Design Managers 1 UX Research Manager 3 Supervisors
Tools
Figma Notion Google Cloud Platform Firebase
Tools
Figma Notion Google Cloud Platform Firebase
Tools
Figma Notion Google Cloud Platform Firebase
Problem
Our experience building a Cornell AI Chatbot and photo-to-haiku generator on Google Cloud revealed through weekly diary studies how unwelcoming and difficult the platform is for beginners.
Problem
Our experience building a Cornell AI Chatbot and photo-to-haiku generator on Google Cloud revealed through weekly diary studies how unwelcoming and difficult the platform is for beginners.
Problem
Our experience building a Cornell AI Chatbot and photo-to-haiku generator on Google Cloud revealed through weekly diary studies how unwelcoming and difficult the platform is for beginners.
— 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.”
— 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.”
— 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."
— 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."
— 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”."
— 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”."
— 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
To validate our insights, we interviewed over 10 developers who regularly use Google Cloud. Their feedback consistently echoed the same usability challenges, reinforcing the legitimacy of our findings.
Research
To validate our insights, we interviewed over 10 developers who regularly use Google Cloud. Their feedback consistently echoed the same usability challenges, reinforcing the legitimacy of our findings.
Research
To validate our insights, we interviewed over 10 developers who regularly use Google Cloud. Their feedback consistently echoed the same usability challenges, reinforcing the legitimacy of our findings.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Complexity
Feeling Overwhelmed by Complexity
Difficulty Finding Relevant Information
Difficulty Finding Relevant Information
Mismatch Between Expectations and Content
Mismatch Between Expectations & Content
— 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.
— 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.
— 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 boost the solution generator's visibility and function and Provide clear onboarding for non-technical users
How Might We
HMW boost the solution generator's visibility and function and Provide clear onboarding for non-technical users
How Might We
HMW boost the solution generator's visibility and function and Provide clear onboarding for non-technical users
— 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.
— 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.
— 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
— HMW boost the solution generator’s visibility and function
Many beginners never find the Solution Generator at all—buried deep in the site, it leaves users stuck, overwhelmed, and turning elsewhere before they ever get a chance to try it.
— HMW boost the solution generator’s visibility and function
Many beginners never find the Solution Generator at all—buried deep in the site, it leaves users stuck, overwhelmed, and turning elsewhere before they ever get a chance to try it.
— HMW boost the solution generator’s visibility and function
Many beginners never find the Solution Generator at all—buried deep in the site, it leaves users stuck, overwhelmed, and turning elsewhere before they ever get a chance to try it.
Put the Solution Genrator on top of Landing Page and Have Initial quiz for a more personalized experience
Persona tabs for responses based on your background
Were these 2 separate solutions the right approach?
Were these 2 separate solutions the right approach?
Were these 2 separate solutions the right approach?
Refined How Might We
HMW guide new non-technical builders to build projects through a linear, personalized, and step-by-step experience?
Refined How Might We
HMW guide new non-technical builders to build projects through a linear, personalized, and step-by-step experience?
Refined How Might We
HMW guide new non-technical builders to build projects through a linear, personalized, and step-by-step experience?
— Guides users through a personalized, conversational interface that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps—making it easier to get started with confidence
— Guides users through a personalized, conversational interface that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps—making it easier to get started with confidence
— Guides users through a personalized, conversational interface that breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps—making it easier to get started with confidence
— Offers a clear, interactive preview of the entire build process, helping users visualize their end product while reducing overwhelm through progressive disclosure
— Offers a clear, interactive preview of the entire build process, helping users visualize their end product while reducing overwhelm through progressive disclosure
— Offers a clear, interactive preview of the entire build process, helping users visualize their end product while reducing overwhelm through progressive disclosure
The Growth and Reflection
I faced tough conversations, conflicting feedback, and uncertain paths, yet through it all, I grew into a more confident, compassionate designer.
The Growth and Reflection
I faced tough conversations, conflicting feedback, and uncertain paths, yet through it all, I grew into a more confident, compassionate designer.
The Growth and Reflection
I faced tough conversations, conflicting feedback, and uncertain paths, yet through it all, I grew into a more confident, compassionate designer.
— 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.