Problem Summary:

Legacy tools supported amortization but were fragmented, inconsistent, and prone to user error. Workflows such as amortization runs, GL setup, facility mapping, community creation, and Excel imports lacked cohesion and clear guidance.

The Challenge:

• Scattered workflows across multiple modules

• Unclear empty states and nonexistent validation

• Technical jargon and inconsistent UX writing

• High error rates in Excel imports

• Missing automation for Journal Entries

• No visibility into amortization history

• Redundant user actions (repeat data entry, unclear dependencies)

Research & Discovery

Methods

• Stakeholder interviews with PM + Engineering

• SME sessions with Accounting teams

• Heuristic evaluations

• Competitive reviews of finance tools

• Mapping dependencies: Fee Types → Communities → Facilities → GL Accounts → Amortization

Key Insights

• Users needed guided workflows, not blank screens

• Error messages were too technical or missing entirely

• The system didn’t support proactive prevention of mistakes

• Excel validation needed a structured flow (upload → validate → fix → import)

Experience Strategy

The redesign was guided by a set of core experience principles focused on reducing cognitive load and helping users move through complex financial workflows with confidence. Every step was designed to provide clarity through thoughtful microcopy, contextual hints, descriptive labels, and accessible ARIA support. A strong emphasis was placed on preventing errors before they occur by using guardrails, validation, and guided interactions. To create predictability across the product, I established consistent patterns for tables, forms, toasts, modals, and confirmations. Finally, the system was architected to support future automation and scale, ensuring it could grow alongside upcoming GL integrations and expanded corporate workflows.