About the company and my role
1
Can you tell us about RavenPack and what attracted you to the company?
RavenPack is a leading provider of big data analytics for financial services. They specialize in transforming unstructured data into structured, machine-readable information.
What attracted me to RavenPack was the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI/ML tools in the financial sector. It was a chance to apply my design skills to complex data visualization and analysis tools, which I found incredibly exciting.
2
What were your main responsibilities at RavenPack?
My primary focus at RavenPack was creating a design system for a new AI/ML tool, which is now called BigData. This involved:
Developing a comprehensive design system based on Material-UI (MUI): This included creating reusable components, establishing design patterns, and ensuring consistency across the platform.
Collaborating closely with leadership: I had the privilege of working directly with Armando (CEO) and Kevin Crosbie (CPO), which gave me valuable insights into the strategic direction of the product.
Partnering with the development team: I worked closely with developers to ensure the design system was implemented effectively and efficiently.
Iterating on designs based on user feedback and data: We continuously refined our designs to improve user experience and meet the evolving needs of our clients in the financial sector.
Challenges and solutions
3
How was your experience working with the leadership team at RavenPack?
Working closely with Armando (CEO) and Kevin Crosbie (CPO) was an invaluable experience. Their openness to new ideas and emphasis on user-centric design created an environment where innovation could thrive in combination with their financial expertise. This direct line of communication with leadership allowed us to align our design efforts closely with the company's strategic goals.
4
Can you elaborate on the process of building the design system for the AI/ML tool?
Building the design system for the AI/ML tool, now known as BigData, was a complex but rewarding process. We chose to base it on Material-UI (MUI) for its robust component library and flexibility. The process involved:
Auditing existing designs and identifying common patterns
Creating a component library tailored to the specific needs of financial data visualization and analysis
Establishing guidelines for typography, color usage, spacing, and interaction patterns
Collaborating with developers to ensure the system was implementable and performant
Iterating based on user feedback and evolving product requirements
The goal was to create a system that would not only unify the look and feel of the product but also accelerate development and improve the overall user experience.
Interdepartmental collaboration and leadership
5
How was your collaboration with your coworker?
Working with Miguel was one of the highlights of my time at RavenPack. We formed a great team, complementing each other's skills and pushing each other to produce our best work.
Miguel, despite being Junior at that time, brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our projects. Our collaboration was marked by open communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to creating the best possible user experience.
We often bounced ideas off each other, which led to more innovative solutions and a stronger overall design.
Lessons learned
6
How would you summarize your experience at RavenPack?
My time at RavenPack, though relatively brief, was incredibly enriching. It provided me with the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI/ML tools in the financial sector, pushing the boundaries of data visualization and analysis.
It deepened my understanding of how design can enhance complex data-driven tools and reinforced my passion for creating intuitive interfaces for sophisticated technologies.
The skills and insights I gained at RavenPack have been instrumental in shaping my approach to product design in data-intensive fields.