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Oracle Data Explorer

Year

2024

Company

Oracle

Role

Lead Designer

Type

Case Study

Contribution

Design direction

Product research

User experience

Oracle Data Explorer

Year

2024

Company

Oracle

Role

Lead Designer

Type

Case Study

Contribution

Design direction

Product research

User experience

Introduction

In 2024, Oracle set out to revolutionize how project managers interact with data. Managing complex projects requires pulling insights from multiple sources, but fragmented systems often lead to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and missed opportunities. Traditional data analysis tools are either too technical or lack the collaboration features needed for dynamic team environments.

We recognized the need for a solution that would allow project managers to explore their data holistically, uncover patterns, and make strategic decisions with confidence. Our team developed an enterprise AI platform designed to unify disparate data sources into a single, intuitive place that prioritizes accuracy, security, and trust.

Research

To better understand the challenges project managers face when managing and analyzing data, I conducted in-depth research into their daily workflows and pain points. my main focus was to uncover how fragmented systems hinder their decision-making process and to identify the most pressing obstacles they encounter when working with data.

I conducted user interviews with project managers from various industries, including consulting, banking, and healthcare, to identify recurring thematic issues with their practices.

2hrs

Average time spent per workday searching for data across multiple platforms.

75%

Struggled to collaborate effectively with team members when analyzing data.

93%

Indicated reporting was an overwhelmingly manual process.

87%

Did not have real-time access to data or data insights.

Analysis

Based on our research findings, the most significant pain points identified by the project managers were the inefficiency of data retrieval, the siloed nature of project data, and the lack of real-time collaboration capabilities within their teams. These challenges were exacerbated by the time-consuming manual processes involved in creating reports and the difficulty in gaining actionable insights from disparate data sources.

I worked closely with product managers and engineers to define the key features of the platform. The overarching goal was to develop an intuitive, cloud-based platform that could eliminate the barriers created by data fragmentation, facilitate seamless collaboration, and provide easy access to actionable insights—transforming the way project managers approached data-driven decision-making.

Cohesive data sources

The eventual goal of this product is to migrate users to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, but one of the most critical challenges identified during our research was the fragmentation of project data across multiple platforms. Project managers frequently switch between different tools—spreadsheets, project management software, CRMs, financial systems—just to gather the information needed for reporting and decision-making. This inefficiency not only wastes time but also increases the risk of outdated or inconsistent data being used in analysis.

To solve this, we designed a seamless integrations feature that connects and centralizes project data from various systems into one unified platform. This feature ensures that users always have real-time access to the most relevant and up-to-date information without the need for manual data entry.

Natural language querying

Working through Oracle’s partnership with Cohere, we designed to work with a language model specifically tailored for project management and data analysis. Our goal was to create an AI-powered query interface that would allow project managers to interact with complex datasets using natural language—removing the need for SQL queries or manual data manipulation.

I worked closely with product managers and engineers to define the key features of the platform. The overarching goal was to develop an intuitive, cloud-based platform that could eliminate the barriers created by data fragmentation, facilitate seamless collaboration, and provide easy access to actionable insights—transforming the way project managers approached data-driven decision-making.

Real-time collaboration

One of the biggest challenges project managers face is the disconnect between data analysis and team communication. Our research revealed that 75% of project managers struggled to collaborate effectively when analyzing data, often resorting to scattered email threads, messaging apps, and shared documents to discuss findings. This disjointed workflow leads to inefficiencies, miscommunication, and delays in decision-making.

To solve this, we designed a real-time collaboration system that brings discussion, data insights, and reporting into a single, unified platform. Inspired by tools like Slack and Google Docs, this feature ensures that teams can work together seamlessly—without switching between multiple applications.

Results

As the platform moved through iterative design and testing, early feedback from project managers indicated significant improvements in efficiency, collaboration, and decision-making. Usability testing and pilot programs provided strong indications of the platform’s potential impact:

These early results demonstrated that Oracle Explorer has the potential to redefine how project managers interact with data, enabling them to make informed decisions faster and with greater confidence.

98%

Decrease in the amount of time spent searching for data through consolidation.

100%

Reported they felt they could collaborate effectively on data analysis and reporting.

100%

Rated Oracle Explorer as an "Exceedingly Positive" product experience.

100%

Reported they believed Oracle Explorer would positively impact their business.