How I Designed a SaaS to Simplify Performance Reviews and Boost Growth for Our 100+ Team
At Object Edge, we realized that our performance reviews weren’t as impactful as they could be. With over 100 talented professionals on our team, we wanted a system that didn’t just evaluate performance but genuinely supported our people’s growth. Inspired by the book “FYI For Your Improvement,” we set out to build 360 Feedback—a platform designed to make the review process smoother, more meaningful, and truly supportive of personal and professional development.
Designing for Diverse Needs and Engagement
Our mission was clear: create a user-friendly platform that serves three distinct types of users—admins, regular users, and mentors. Each group had its own specific needs and goals, making it challenging to design a cohesive experience that works seamlessly for all. On top of that, getting employees to adopt and engage with a new digital tool can be a tough sell. We needed to ensure that 360 Feedback not only met these varied needs but also encouraged consistent use across the team.
Our Path to Building a User-Centric Platform
Listening to Our Team:
We started by diving deep into user research. Through interviews, competitor analysis, and the development of personas representing our three main user groups—admins, regular users, and mentors—we laid the foundation for a design that truly meets the needs of everyone involved.
Designing with Purpose and Precision:
Armed with insights from our research, we moved into the design phase. We crafted wireframes, mockups, and prototypes, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. By iterating based on feedback from stakeholders and usability tests, we honed our designs, ensuring that 360 Feedback would be intuitive and accessible for all users.
Building Features That Matter:
Our primary goal was to develop features that added real value to the performance review process. From streamlined CSV uploads for admins to intuitive evaluation forms for employees, and detailed result overviews for mentors, every feature was thoughtfully designed to enhance the review experience.
What’s New in Version 1.2: Taking 360 Feedback to the Next Level
Since the initial launch, we’ve introduced several exciting new features to make 360 Feedback even more powerful:
CSV File Upload: Admin users can upload CSV files to quickly populate user data, job codes, and evaluation criteria.
Evaluation Forms: Regular users access intuitive evaluation forms, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree, to assess peers’ competencies and skills.
Result Overviews: Both regular users and mentors gain insights into evaluation results, enabling informed decision-making and targeted skill development initiatives.
Adding Depth with Comments: Each competency in the evaluation form now includes a Comments field. This lets users provide detailed, personalized feedback, making the review process more constructive and helpful for career development.
Clearer Navigation with Improved Section Demarcation: We’ve enhanced the separation of sections within the evaluation forms, making it easier for users to identify which skills each question relates to, helping to provide more targeted feedback.
Staying Organized with Review Status Info: Review statuses are now visible directly on the Start Review page, simplifying the process of managing and selecting the reviews you want to complete.
Saving Time with Quick Access to Review Pages: A new shortcut allows users to jump straight to the review page when hovering over a user’s name and photo on the My Teams page, streamlining workflow.
Navigating Smoothly with an Enhanced Sidebar Menu: The sidebar menu has been redesigned to make navigation easier and faster, reducing the number of clicks needed to access different parts of the platform.
A Fresh, Modern Look for a Better Experience: We’ve given 360 Feedback a visual refresh, introducing a new, modern design that enhances both usability and visual appeal.
Design Process
Our design process began with in-depth research, including user interviews and competitor analysis, to understand user needs and pain points. Iterative design and usability testing allowed us to refine our solutions and address any challenges encountered along the way.
Our UI/UX design prioritized clarity, simplicity, and accessibility. Through careful consideration of color schemes, typography, and layout, we aimed to create an intuitive interface that enhances user experience and engagement.
*These images represent only one small portion of the system.
How 360 Feedback is Making a Difference
With version 1.2 now live, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Team members find 360 Feedback easier to use, and the new features—especially the Comments field—are helping them provide more meaningful, constructive feedback. The updated design has also made the platform more engaging and enjoyable to use, significantly improving our performance review process.
Continuing to Evolve and Support Our Team’s Growth
This journey has shown us the power of user-centric design. The improvements we’ve made to 360 Feedback have had a tangible impact on our team, turning the review process into a valuable tool for growth. We’re excited to continue refining the platform and look forward to seeing how it will further support our team’s development and success.
About me
Luan Rosa
Product Designer
I am a Product Designer specializing in creating user-centered designs that boost user satisfaction and drive business results. My experience includes collaborating with companies like Motorola, Pace-Edwards, and SOM, where I contributed to innovative projects and impactful designs.
Key Achievements
- Specialized Bikes' B2B Platform: Designing mobile experience.
- SOM Research Project: Repurposed public schools in Chicago.
- Freelance Client: Reduced user errors by 40%.
- Remote Learning Transition: Increased enrollment by 50%.
- SEO Enhancements: Boosted site visits by 22%.