Innovating in HR workflow automation
Sector
Technology, Media & Telecom
Technology, Media & Telecom
Type of service
Generative & evaluative research
Generative & evaluative research
HRTalent ManagementWorkforce ManagementData
The Challenge
An all-in-one HR software company aimed to boost the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises by offering a comprehensive solution with user-friendly workflows for automating daily tasks and people processes. Their goal was to position their platform as the go-to tool for automating not only HR functions but also broader business processes, thereby enhancing users' operational efficiency and contributing to their overall success.
Hatch Studio was engaged to assess the workflow automation needs of users and to test early prototypes of the software. Following their analysis, Hatch Studio defined the target audience and recommended enhancements to the tool’s functionalities. These recommendations were designed to ensure the platform became the preferred solution for workflow automation and process optimization.
Our Approach
1
Understanding user's needs
We conducted a first and second round of research, in which we focused on understanding the workflow automation user needs, as well as understand the role of the end user in company-wide processes related to admin and HR, while testing some early concepts that are being developed by our client.
2
Workflow process
Our specific objectives entailed understanding the HR Managers role in relation to their main workflow automation needs, through the employee workcycle, trying to understand potential building blocks that might be useful to them. While also understanding the supervisors role (outside of HR) in relation to their responsibilities in company wide processes, related to administrative and HR tasks.
3
Foundational research and Prototype testing
We designed the moderation guide & interview flows split into foundational research and prototype testing, which consisted of 10 in-depth sessions (75 min each) in the first round, and 9 in-depth sessions (60 min sessions) in the second round.
4
Iteration
We tested and iterated clickable prototypes for the workflow builder frontend experience, testing the entry point to trigger a new workflow, the understanding of receiving a task and solving it and got general feedback on the tool and comparison between different design versions.
5
Final report
Finally, we then analyzed our interviews, built a detailed and visual document including main findings and insights, prototype feedback and recommendations with future improvements and opportunity areas for the tool itself.
Outcomes
Hatch Studio enabled our client to get a detailed understanding of their user needs through iterative prototyping and communicating actionable insights. By focusing on the impact of automation on user roles and company processes, we enabled the creation of a more effective and user-centric tool.
Key outcomes included:
- Strategic Alignment: We helped define a target audience and adapt functionalities to meet specific user needs, ensuring the tool's relevance and indispensability for HR teams of various sizes.
- Enhanced Usability: The iterative prototype testing and feedback loops allowed our client to refine the user experience, particularly the workflow builder frontend experience. This led to a more intuitive entry point for triggering workflows, improved task understanding, and a generally enhanced user interface that facilitated easier adoption and higher user satisfaction.
- Focus on Efficiency: By emphasizing automation, we enabled the company to help HR teams transition from manual tasks to more efficient, automated processes.
- Improved Collaboration: Our insights into the collaboration needs between HR and non-HR supervisors highlighted the importance of a tool that supports seamless communication and task management across departments. This strategic direction ensured that the HR platform could facilitate better interdepartmental collaboration, further enhancing its value proposition.
