Amazon
Simplifying Processes
for Amazon’s Finance Teams
At-A-Glance
In the high-stakes world of finance and technology, managing internal tools for seamless collaboration is critical. Amazon's finance teams faced challenges with an outdated FinTech tool that lacked structure, validation, and user guidance. This spurred a comprehensive redesign, resulting in a streamlined, modernized system that integrates API-driven workflows and ensures clarity and efficiency for users across the finance organization.
My Role
UX Design - user research, visual design, interaction design
Team
Melinda Nguyen
Wei Wang
Nik Patel
Timeline
May 2024 - Aug 2024
Tools
Figma
Context
I was one of 20 global UX design interns at Amazon for summer 2024
I joined the Devices Fintech team in Seattle, Washington. My team consisted of 2 other UX Designers and my project manager.
The Problem
Teams were burdened by outdated technology.
The Solution
Integrated Workflow System
Bridging the gap between disconnected tools and outdated workflows through a redesigned portal. By integrating notifications, improving user guidance, and enabling seamless references to existing data, the system enhances efficiency and reduces manual effort, enabling finance teams to focus on impactful work.
01.
Reducing Cognitive Overload with Progressive Disclosure
The redesign implements progressive disclosure by breaking up content into manageable sections. Instead of presenting a single, overwhelming form, the new design only shows users the specific sections relevant to their milestone or form. This minimizes distractions, reduces cognitive load, and allows teams to focus on their immediate tasks, while additional details or tools are dynamically revealed as needed.
03.
Empowering Users with Self-Sufficient Workflows
Previously, users were required to navigate a confusing 13-page document for guidance and frequently had to message finance managers for help. This process caused delays and frustration. The redesign introduced contextual tooltips that provide immediate, in-line assistance, eliminating the need to reference the lengthy document or rely on external support. This improvement streamlines workflows, enhances user confidence, and allows finance managers to focus on higher-value tasks.
This project focused on redesigning a portal used in the early stages of a device’s Product Development Process (PDP). Product Managers rely on this portal to request headcount cost estimates, which are provided by Lab Finance teams through collaboration with four Lab Operations teams.
These estimates, based on comparable products, play a critical role in helping leadership green-light programs and serve as a foundation for future headcount forecasts.
The PDP Headcount Portal
Project
02.
Eliminating the burden of manual open-field form inputs.
Users can now reference previous products and automatically populate entire sections, reducing the need to manually fill out over 50 open fields. This feature saves time, improves accuracy, and streamlines the workflow.
Research
Data-Driven Analysis and Stakeholder Collaboration
Given the limited availability of finance managers, I conducted brief, focused meetings to gather their expertise and validate my findings. Most of my research involved analyzing inconsistencies in past forms and identifying user pain points directly from the data files. These short but targeted discussions with finance provided valuable context and allowed me to propose practical, data-driven solutions that aligned with both user needs and business objectives.
Honestly, most of us just copy and paste from older requests or documents because so much of the information is similar. It works, but it’s tedious and prone to mistakes—we really need a better way to handle this.
Project Manager
"I feel like I’m spending way too much time managing errors and rejections in the tool instead of focusing on actual finance work. It’s frustrating."
Finance Manager
Collaborative Design and Learning Experience
I worked closely with the finance manager throughout the design process to ensure my solutions aligned with their needs and workflows. These regular interactions not only guided my designs but also provided me with valuable insights into finance processes and terminology, deepening my understanding of the field. This collaboration ensured that the tool addressed real user pain points while aligning with business objectives.
DESIGN
Amazon
Dealerware
IBM
Gazelle Ecosolutions
CONTACT
Read.cv
© 2024 Dorian Villalba. All Rights Reserved.
Made with 🩶 and Strawberry Matcha Lattes (50% sugar, less ice).
Next project:
Dealerware
Design in sync.
— RETROSPECTIVE
People, Ideas, Love.
Amazon had some super silly events!
One of the most blessed things that happened during this internship was meeting my wonderful team and all the other design interns in seattle!
Room Full of Ideas
Whiteboards, sticky notes, papers—you name it. Our walls were filled with ideas. It was a surreal experience to be in a space where collective creativity visually unfolded.
Love for community
Our idea was shaped by people from all walks of life, but what tied us together was our drive to help those in need. Without empathy and a genuine interest in these communities, our product wouldn’t have made it this far.
…and huge shoutout to all the mentors who gave me that learner's high 🧠