hackathon:
notifications
the problem
initial sketches based on discussion
Exploring Interconnected Product Solutions for Seamless Onboarding
The client’s existing product ecosystem included various web and desktop offerings, but each operated in isolation, creating operational silos and communication gaps for time-sensitive processes like on/offboarding. Admins on either side had limited visibility into the other system, resulting in extra effort to manually track progress and critical updates.
Given a one-week sprint to build anything we envisioned, our team set out to create a solution that would unify these systems, prioritizing real-time visibility for all stakeholders. We brainstormed ways to create cross-platform integrations that could streamline communication and improve transparency for both admins and users. This short sprint allowed us to explore innovative approaches without constraints, aiming for a more synchronized user experience across the client’s product offerings.
wireframe above, refinement below
the process
Building an Integrated Solution: A One-Week Sprint for Real-Time Task Synchronization
On Day 1, we kicked off by aligning the team on technical requirements, user goals, and scope, defining what could realistically be achieved within a week to improve cross-platform communication for time-sensitive tasks.
Day 2 focused on sketching out the proposed ideas, creating mockups that captured various user interactions, and mapping potential user journeys for seamless on/offboarding.
By Day 3, we refined wireframes and applied design system components, working feature-by-feature to keep everything modular and achievable within our timeframe.
On Day 4, we built and tested the MVP, addressing any edge cases and polishing interactions to deliver a smooth, reliable experience.
Finally, on Day 5, we presented our prototype to stakeholders, detailing how it could integrate with the current ecosystem, offering recommendations for next steps and a vision for scaling up the solution.
the impact
Hackathon Success: Designing a Cross-Product Notification System
During a company hackathon, my team and I—each from different product lines—collaborated on a project of our choosing. We identified a common issue: a lack of seamless communication across applications, which added friction to the user experience.
Our solution was a notification system designed to unify various business applications within a single ecosystem, enabling timely, in-app communication and reducing reliance on fragmented email updates. This approach demonstrated not only the benefits of an integrated communication system but also how rapidly it could be implemented.
To back our design, we conducted user research, providing recommendations for future improvements and documenting key insights to guide potential expansion.
Our project was awarded Most Innovative for its user-centered approach and transformative potential across the platform.