Challenge

Inconsistent Experience and a Steep Learning Curve

FME's powerful features were spread across desktop and web apps that behaved and looked entirely different, causing a fragmented user experience. This inconsistency, along with a steep learning curve, was a major barrier to enterprise adoption. Users struggled with learning the tools, switching between apps, and dealing with a lack of standardization across the platform. Compounding these issues, the desktop app had been around for 20 years, making any proposed changes feel risky to both users and internal teams.

Solution

A Cohesive, User-Centered Redesign

I led a team of six designers in a full UX redesign of both the desktop and web applications, with the aim of making the platform more consistent and intuitive. We developed a new visual design language, icon system, and no-code interface for the desktop product. One of my key contributions was creating a unified design system that ensured consistency across the platform, solving many of the usability challenges FME users faced.

Our approach prioritized maintaining continuity with the existing design to ease the transition for long-time users, while also introducing a clean, modern interface that improved organization and reduced complexity. The no-code interface allowed users to manage complex data workflows more easily, aligning with FME’s enterprise expansion goals.

Key Results

Simplified UX and Significant Business Impact

The redesign was launched in 2024, marking the first major update to FME’s interface in many years. The response from both customers and partners was overwhelmingly positive, and the redesign played a pivotal role in Safe Software achieving growth in subscriptions.

Key accomplishments of the project included:

Streamlined the user journey by unifying the design of the desktop and web apps, creating a more seamless experience.

Reduced the learning curve by introducing a consistent color and icon system that improved usability and allowed users to navigate the platform with greater ease.

Strengthened the FME brand through a cohesive design system that spanned both products, aligning with the company’s rebranding initiative.

Lessons Learned

Building Alignment and Managing Change

This project taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, design, and change management. I learned how to build alignment across a large organization, ensuring that key stakeholders—from executives to end-users—were involved at the right time. I also learned the importance of setting clear expectations and being transparent throughout the design process, especially when dealing with long-standing product features that users were attached to.

Acknowledgment

This project wouldn’t be possible without the support of Safe’s leadership team and many individuals who contributed to this project directly by being part of the product team and indirectly by providing feedback. Thank you all!

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