Ford's remote teams were spread across the country, and the company was struggling with a few key issues:

• Feeling disconnected: Many employees felt isolated and disconnected from their colleagues.

• Inconsistent experiences: Remote work tools and processes varied widely across different teams.

• No clear brand identity: There wasn't a consistent visual language or messaging around remote work.

• Diversity of needs: Ford's remote workforce is incredibly diverse, so we needed to ensure our solutions were inclusive.

As lead UX designer, I took a holistic approach. I was responsible for:

• Crafting a brand identity: We needed a visual system that communicated connection, collaboration, and belonging. We landed on a color palette that felt friendly and approachable, with imagery that represented diversity and teamwork.

• Deep-dive user research: I led the charge on extensive user research, talking to over 30 teams and nearly 700 individuals. We used interviews, surveys, and focus groups to get a complete understanding of what was working (and what wasn't) for remote teams at Ford.

• Iterative design and testing: We built prototypes, tested them with users, and refined the design based on their feedback. This iterative process was key to ensuring we created solutions that truly resonated with Ford's employees. We weren't afraid to make changes based on what we learned.

We didn't just create new tools; we designed an experience. Here's what we did:

• A unified brand for remote work: We developed a consistent visual identity, including a logo, color palette, and tone of voice that was used across all internal communication channels. (Show a visual example here.)

• Interactive team-building activities: We introduced engaging online activities to encourage collaboration and build relationships between remote team members. (Show examples of activities.)

• Inclusive design principles: We incorporated accessibility features and considered diverse cultural backgrounds throughout the design process to ensure the experience was inclusive for everyone.

• Increased engagement: We saw a significant increase in the use of the new communication platform and participation in online team-building activities.

• Higher satisfaction scores: Post-implementation surveys showed a considerable improvement in employee satisfaction with remote work experiences.

• Positive feedback: We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Ford employees, who felt more connected and supported. One team even reported a noticeable improvement in their overall morale.

Belonging Matters.

This project wasn't just about improving tools; it was about building a sense of community. By focusing on user research, iterative design, and a strong brand identity, we helped Ford create a more inclusive and engaging experience for their remote teams. And that's something I'm really proud of. Want to learn more? Let's connect!