NETWORK MANAGEMENT
PROJECT
ADMIN DASHBOARD
Dashboard Design for Device Infrastructure and User Management for Network Administrators
SUMMARY
This case study covers the design of a comprehensive dashboard for Network Administrators to manage DEVICE infrastructure and user access settings, including roles and privileges.
IMPACT
Reduced Setup Time
he unified interface and clear navigation reduced time spent on tasks by 40%, improving overall efficiency for Network Administrators
Enhanced Security
Centralized credential management and role-based access reduced the risk of unauthorized access, strengthening infrastructure security.
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
This project focused on designing a user-friendly application for Network Administrators to manage infrastructure and user access settings, including roles and privileges. With features covering Device Credentials Management, Device Management, Device Log Management, and User Management, the goal was to provide administrators with a cohesive interface to streamline these critical tasks in a secure, intuitive environment.
RESEARCH
I collaborated with Research and conducted interviews and surveys with Network Administrators to understand their needs and challenges, highlighting key insights:
Role-Specific Requirements: Network administrators required granular control over roles and access privileges, allowing them to allocate permissions based on user responsibility and security protocols.
Ease of Device Management: With multiple devices in a network, administrators needed a streamlined way to view, manage, and update device credentials without lengthy navigation.
Log Accessibility: Administrators required easy access to device and user logs to audit actions and maintain compliance, with a demand for secure storage and quick retrieval of log data.
With multiple devices in a network, administrators needed a streamlined way to view, manage, and update device credentials without lengthy navigation.
PRIMARY USERS
Network Administrators
Responsible for setting up and managing infrastructure, with a strong focus on security and compliance.
IT Support Managers
Interested in a tool that could quickly diagnose and resolve user access issues or device credential conflicts.
SECONDARY USERS
CHALLENGES
Users found it difficult to manage large numbers of devices and credentials
Balancing security requirements with ease of use
Ensuring consistent performance and responsiveness across various devices and screen sizes
SOLUTION
Implemented bulk actions and batch processing features, allowing users to perform tasks on multiple devices simultaneously.
Developed a user-friendly authentication workflow that integrates multi-factor authentication without complicating the login process.
Employed responsive design principles to ensure the application functions well on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
DEFINING KEY FEATURES
Device Credentials Management
Securely store and manage device credentials, including usernames, passwords, and configuration details.
Intent & Template Designer
Network & Infrastructure Architects can Conceptualize, Design, Develop Infrastructure Intents and Create, Edit. Modify Templates
Device Management
Add, remove, and monitor devices connected to the network.
Automatically detect new devices and prompt administrators to add them to the system.
User Management
Manage user accounts, roles, and permissions to ensure appropriate access to resources.
Device Log Management
Comprehensive logging of all device activities, including configuration changes, user access, and system alerts.
Low-Fi Wireframes
Developed low-fidelity wireframes for each key feature, focusing on layout, user flows, and essential interactions.
Interactive prototypes
Built high-fidelity prototypes using tools like Sketch to simulate the user experience and facilitate user testing.
Executed Intent List
USER TESTING
Testing Phases
Conducted multiple rounds of user testing with real Network Administrators, iterating on the design based on feedback.
Usability Metrics
Measured task completion rates, time on task, and user satisfaction to assess the effectiveness of design changes.
Incorporated feedback into design iterations, focusing on improving navigation, reducing cognitive load, and enhancing overall user experience.
CONCLUSION
The design of this application addresses the complex needs of Network Administrators by providing a cohesive, user-friendly platform for managing network infrastructure and user access. Through rigorous user research, iterative design, and a focus on usability and security, the application is positioned to enhance administrative efficiency and streamline critical tasks. Future development will focus on continuous improvement based on user feedback, potential feature expansions, and integration with emerging technologies in network management.