A disruptive platform for SMBs
Designs, testing and insights for a Proof of Concept prototype.
&us consultancy
My role
Client, project and design lead
Plus the team
2 designers, 2 strategists, 1 coach.
Length
8 weeks
AI EXPERIENCE • UX RESEARCH • PERSONAS & JOURNEYS • B2B PRODUCT DESIGN • PRODUCT STRATEGY • RAPID PROTOTYPING • USER TESTING
The challenge
This global tech firm sought to become the leading IT choice for small and medium businesses by addressing key pain points: sales, skill development, community and IT support. They also wanted to grow their market share from 24% to 40%.
Our task was to rapidly design and validate a proof of concept that would strengthen their position in the SMB market.
The approach
Through research and rapid iterative testing, we identified critical user needs and developed a one-stop shop digital platform. Our approach included:
Conducting targeted user interviews to uncover SMB challenges
Translating insights into a clear product strategy with measurable objectives
Developing user personas and journeys through the prototype
Creating rapid prototypes to visualise the user experience
Testing interactive concepts with actual SMB owners to gather feedback and iterate solutions quickly.
AI-powered chat for more complex IT supply needs
Simplified bulk-buying based on groups of needs
IT learning offer for SMBs to upskill
“I would chew my own arm off for this.”
The outcome
The ‘CTO’ platform concept demonstrated significant potential to improve the tech firm’s SMB relationships. ‘CTO’ would help move them from transactional relationships to building a mutually beneficial ecosystem.
Users rated the prototype as “highly valuable” to their business operations, especially the AI assistant.
Simplicity of the four sections proved popular: Buy, Learn, Connect, Solve.
Skills-building learning modules addressed specific SMB IT capability gaps identified in research.
Our reseller matching feature created new brand-building opportunities.
The validated proof of concept provided the client with actionable insights for development, a clear roadmap for implementation, and de-risked future investment ahead of a build/buy/modify decision.
