Cisco Mobile Apps

Role: UX/UI Designer & Researcher | Date : Summer & Winter 2016 | Client: Design Lab

 
 
 
 

My Role

I serve as an advisor to stakeholders, reviewing their mobile app designs and discussing their goals and thought processes. After each review, I provide actionable feedback and, when needed, create mockups to enhance the app's look and feel, ensuring alignment with Cisco's design standards and compliance with the latest iOS and Android guidelines.

 
 
 

My Advisory Process

A structured approach to mobile design excellence

Initial Review - Analyze app designs against iOS/Android HIG, Cisco brand standards, and accessibility requirements

Stakeholder Discussion - Meet with teams to understand goals, constraints, and user needs while identifying opportunities

 
 
 

Actionable Feedback - Deliver prioritized recommendations with specific examples and best practice references

Mockup Creation - Design high-fidelity mockups demonstrating proposed improvements when needed

 
 

Case Studies

Collaboration Enterprise App

iOS | Navigation | Accessibility

Challenge:

The app had confusing navigation with non-standard patterns and poor thumb reach accessibility, leading to user frustration and low adoption.

 
 

Before

  • Top-aligned navigation (poor thumb reach)

  • Non-standard icon usage

  • Hidden primary actions

  • Inconsistent navigation patterns

After

  • Bottom tab bar (thumb-friendly)

  • iOS standard icons and patterns

  • Clear primary action buttons

  • Consistent, predictable navigation

 

45% - Reduction in support tickets

4.2→4.7 - App Store rating increase

30% - Faster task completion

 

Network Management Tool

Android | Material Design | Icon Design

Challenge:

App icon used complex photographic elements and multiple colors, making it unrecognizable at small sizes and inconsistent with platform guidelines.

 
 

Before

  • Photo-realistic elements

  • Too many details (7+ elements)

  • Unclear at 29x29pt size

  • Off-brand color palette

After

  • Single symbolic element

  • Clean, simple geometry

  • Readable at all sizes

  • Cisco brand colors

 
 

60% - Better brand recognition

100% - App Store approval rate

 
 
 

App Icon Guidelines

Key principles for creating effective mobile app icons

 
 

Focus on a Single Element

Choose one core element that represents your app and simplify it into a clean shape. Add details sparingly, as complex shapes can be hard to read at small sizes.

Avoid Photos or Screenshots

Photographic details and interface elements are difficult to see at small sizes and can cause confusion for users. Stick to a clear, symbolic representation.

Keep it Simple

Less is more. Avoid clutter or unnecessary embellishments. A simple, memorable icon performs better across all sizes and contexts.

 
 
 
 
 

Key Research Insights

Standardization drives adoption: Clear guidelines and limited variations help users create better content faster

Data-informed design: Analytics helped prioritize component features and placement strategies

Scalability requires constraints: Smart limitations empower users without sacrificing brand integrity

Documentation is design: Comprehensive usage guides are as important as the components themselves

 
 

Other Projects

HubSpot - Design Strategy

Cisco - Design Systems

Instashop - Case Study