2021 · Web · CMS
Enhancing the content management system (CMS) for Samsung.com/jp
Samsung is a globally recognized brand offering a wide range of products, from smartphones and tablets to home appliances. To market these products, Samsung collaborates with local vendors and manages official brand websites, many of which utilize a centralized content management system (CMS).
In contrast, the Japanese branch operated its own CMS tailored to specific regional content needs. However, the existing CMS struggled to meet the growing demands of admin users, leading to inefficiencies and limited functionality.
To address these challenges, my team undertook a comprehensive redesign of the CMS, modernizing the platform to better align with user needs and significantly enhance operational efficiency.
Client
Samsung
Product
Website (PC & Mobile)
Timeframe
5 months
Members
One PM · Two UI/UX Designer · Two UI Designers · Two Publisher · Three Developers
My Role
UI/UX Design
Conducted extensive research, including heuristic evaluations, competitive analysis, and user interviews, to identify user needs and challenges.
Developed a streamlined Information Architecture (IA) to enhance usability and scalability.
Designed wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and prototypes to translate research insights into actionable designs.
Collaborated with the development team to perform quality assurance, ensuring seamless implementation of designs.
Created comprehensive user manuals to support business users in adopting the new system.
Tools
Figma · Adobe Photoshop · Beusable · Microsoft Presentation
The Impact
The redesigned Galaxy Japan CMS significantly improved efficiency and reduced costs. The content approval process became 62% faster, while enhanced editing features led to a 71% decrease in content editing time. Additionally, the system reduced maintenance costs by 22% by minimizing reliance on developers. These changes empowered business users to manage content more effectively, optimizing resources and operational workflows.
62% Faster Content Approval Process
Streamlined workflows reduced approval time substantially.
71% Reduction in Content Editing Time
Enhanced content editing features dramatically improved user efficiency.
22% Reduction in Maintenance Costs
Decreased reliance on developers for routine tasks, cutting costs.
High-Level Goal
How might we improve the current CMS to enable users to effectively manage content and accounts on the website?
Our primary goal was to accommodate the needs of business users who manage, request, and approve content on the site, as well as manage accounts and roles.
The Problem
Through interviews with users and stakeholders, we discovered that the existing system did not evolve to meet the growing needs of Samsung's business in Japan. As the number of customers searching for and purchasing products online increased, Samsung.com/jp/ aimed to streamline the process of publishing content on their website.
No Content Uploading & Editing Feature
There were more non-developer users who needed to use the system, but it required a developer to upload or edit content to the website.
Difficult to Request and Track Content Release Status
There was no page to track the content release confirmation process, and users could not add or remove approvers as needed.
Non-expandable IA
The client planned to add more menus for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, but the current information architecture was not expandable to accommodate the new content.
Needs for Managing User IDs and Access Levels
As more third-party users joined the platform, the client wanted to efficiently manage their IDs and access levels.
The Solution
Solution #01
Diverse Content Editing Features
Solution #02
Content Publishing Request
& Tracking Features
Solution #03
Scalable
& Intuitive IA
Solution #04
Account & Role Management Features
Solution #01
Diverse Content Editing Features
While retaining the code editing feature, we introduced text, image, and video editing capabilities. This enabled users to create and edit content independently, without needing a developer.
Solution #02
Content Publishing Request & Tracking Feature
We introduced a dashboard page and workflow menu to allow users to easily track content approval status. For third party users who provided content we added a flexible content approval line which they can use to add and remove approvers.
For all users we introduced dashboard and workflow pages, including detailed tracking of content approval status.
We added a feature for content contributors, including third-party users, enabling them to easily request content release and edit approvals as well as add or remove approvers from the list.
Solution #03
Scalable & Intuitive IA
We redesigned the CMS information architecture to be reflected on the front-end website, providing a menu that can accommodate new pages.
Solution #04
Account & Role Management Features
For admin users, we added an account management feature to efficiently handle the increasing number of third-party users with different roles. Additionally, we implemented a role management feature, allowing users to define and control the permissions for each role.
