Sydbank Enterprise Data Catalog Redesign
Denmark's 4th Largest Bank — Enterprise UX Research & 4-Block UI Overhaul — Enterprise UX research and 4-block UI redesign of Sydbank's internal Alation data catalog software. Driven by an empirical 24-person survey across bank departments, user journey mapping, and ISO 9241-210 human-centered evaluation.
Role
Lead Enterprise UX Researcher
Project Type
Sydbank Enterprise Data Infrastructure
Tools Used
Alation, ISO 9241-210, Norman 3 Levels, Figma, Empirical Surveys
Duration
5 Months
3.5 / 5
Standard Deviation: 0.72 (Moderate usability with high variance between user roles).
3.21 / 5
Standard Deviation: 0.88 (Split user perception ranging from 'Very Bad' to 'Good').
66%
Task resolution reduced from 90 min down to 30 min per data query task.
24 Users
Cross-departmental feedback from new hires to senior database admins.
User Friction & Bottlenecks
Sydbank relies on the Alation Data Catalog platform to facilitate database-related operations, metadata tracking, and query management across financial departments. However, newly hired employees consistently encountered a steep learning curve and operational friction due to cluttered layouts, ambiguous color-coded status icons, and hidden help resources.
Strategic Product Architecture
Conducted an empirical survey with 24 active Alation users across Sydbank departments to capture quantitative Likert scale metrics alongside qualitative feedback. Redesigned the platform into 4 core UI blocks: Homepage Modernization, Centralized Database Navigation, Prominent Tutorial Banner, and Faceted Domain Search.
Structured Methodology
Empirical Research Survey
In collaboration with Sandra Kristholm at Sydbank, an internal questionnaire was distributed to 24 active Alation users across financial departments, capturing quantitative Likert scale metrics alongside qualitative feedback.
Qualitative Sentiments & Journey Mapping
Identified core pain points across New Employee and Senior User journeys: interface complexity, onboarding bottlenecks, and documentation gaps.
Theoretical Framework Application
Applied ISO 9241-210 & ISO 9126 (Learnability, Operability, Compliance), Norman 3 Processing Levels (Visceral, Behavioral, Reflective), and a continuous feedback loop.
Stanford d.school Wireframing
Explored physical paper sketches (Stage 1) and digital low-fidelity information architecture (Stage 2) prior to high-fidelity implementation.
Stanford d.school Framework & Wireframes
Moving from physical paper exploration to digital low-fidelity information architecture.
Stage 1 · Physical Wireframe Sketch
Stage 2 · Digital Low-Fi Wireframe
Interface Transformation (Before vs After)
Homepage Modernization & Cognitive Load Reduction
BEFORE · Cluttered 3-column layout without tutorial banners or language toggles.
AFTER · Minimalist layout with quick links, onboarding banner, and language selection.
Centralized Database Navigation & Dropdowns
BEFORE · Placed in unconventional positions without clear database categories.
AFTER · Centralized 4-category navigation bar with icons and structured dropdowns.
Prominent Tutorial Banner & Guided Video Walkthroughs
BEFORE · Onboarding hidden inside general settings submenus.
AFTER · Embedded video tutorial center directly accessible on the homepage.
Faceted Domain Filters & Integrated Search
SEARCH FOCUS · Domain filter dropdowns, instant recall, and data owner shortcuts.
METADATA CARDS · Structured table metadata, popularity ratings, and assigned experts.
Architectural Rationale
ISO 9241-210 Compliance
Human-centered design framework evaluating Learnability, Operability, Attractiveness, and Compliance.
Norman 3 Processing Levels
Addressing Visceral (first impressions), Behavioral (core usability), and Reflective (long-term satisfaction).
Embedded Video Tutorials
Prominent tutorial banners directly on homepage eliminated reliance on external documentation decks.
Faceted Domain Filters
Faceted search and table owner shortcuts reduced search resolution time from 90 to 30 minutes.
What This Project Taught Me
Empirical Likert scale metrics paired with qualitative user feedback provide bulletproof evidence when redesigning enterprise banking software.
Structuring complex database catalogs into 4 clear UI blocks reduces cognitive load for both new hires and senior analysts.
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