Track 01: Streamline retail
MST App: Redesigning task management for real-time store operations.
Lowe's MST App often relied on an outdated Android based app that made task management frustrating and inefficient. Associates couldn't see real time updates, had to refresh manually, and lacked visibility into team progress.
Problem
The navigation was clunky and unclear.
Tasks didn't update in real time.
Associates had to refresh manually and often missed updates.
Communication and task visibility were limited.
Users
The focus was on empowering store associates using Zebra devices across busy store floors, prioritizing visibility and quick navigation.
Key Findings
Inconsistent update behavior across task views.
Low trust in current task status.
Confusion around task ownership and collaboration.
Solution
I redesigned the mobile app around these core pillars:
Simplicity
Clear navigation and a restructured task list that matched mental models.
Real time collaboration
Live task updates, assignment tracking, and note features.
In-store focus
Designed for Zebra devices used by associates—keeping thumb reach, contrast, and fast access top of mind.
Design Strategy
Before settling on the final UI, I explored card-based layouts vs. expandable list views, horizontal nav vs. bottom tab vs. persistent left-side filters, and task prioritization logic (urgency, location, team load).
Core experience enhancements included:
Redesign task homepage
Prioritized by urgency and location, with real-time syncing.
Smart filters
Tasks are now filterable by department, status, and due date.
Chat + Status
Associates are able to chat in an issue thread for seamless collaboration and receive progress updates.
To bring this strategy to life, I partnered closely with cross-functional teams to align on feasibility, streamline workflows, and ensure a cohesive experience across devices and departments.
collaboration & leadership
Offshore engineering teams
to align on real-time sync behavior, offline task access, and technical constraints for Zebra devices.
Product managers and store ops
to translate day-to-day workflows into intuitive in-app flows.
Lowe’s design systems team
to ensure component consistency and scalability across internal tools.
The redesign delivered measurable improvements across store operations, team collaboration, and task execution. These outcomes highlight how thoughtful UX decisions translated into real-world impact.
Increased Efficiency
Issue logging became 30% faster after optimizing task creation and flow visibility.
Fewer Delays
Redesigning prioritization logic cut task delays by 40%, especially during shift changes.
Boosted Productivity
Smarter filters and inline updates helped teams complete 20% more tasks on average. Associates stayed aligned and consistent with real-time updates and clearer task roles.
Seamless Communication
In-app chat replaced clunky handoffs and reduced miscommunication across teams.
This project was still in progress at the time of my departure, with continued iteration planned based on user feedback and rollout insights.
If I had more time, I would have focused on:
Introducing a lightweight onboarding experience to reduce ramp-up time for new MST associates
Enhancing in-app communication features like chat and alerts, which store teams repeatedly flagged as critical for real-time coordination
Implementing an issue list system to better support priority tracking and follow up between shifts
Weekly design-engineering reviews (with offshore teams) were key in refining features despite occasional pushback. This is a reminder of how alignment and iteration directly impact product success.