Empowering Retail SMEs with Omnichannel Solutions

This project centered on designing a cloud-based suite of digital solutions to support retail SMEs, including a POS system, e-commerce website, and CRM tools, all integrated into a single platform. By centralizing data and customer information, this SaaS solution empowers retailers with real-time insights and streamlined operations across online and in-store channels.

Background

Octopus Retail Management delivers digital solutions for retail and F&B businesses, with its core product, Octopus POS, a cloud-based SaaS platform designed to streamline operations. The system provides comprehensive tools for managing sales, products, inventory, and customer relationships while supporting multiple platforms, including Desktop, iPad, and iPhone, for seamless accessibility. Beyond its POS offering, the company also provides e-commerce solutions and custom projects tailored to specific client needs, further enhancing the digital retail experience.

Launching the POS on iPad

As the lead designer for the POS system on iPad and Desktop, my goal was to enhance usability and create a seamless experience across multiple platforms. This required a deep understanding of the system’s functionality to ensure informed design decisions.

I took a hands-on approach to improving the POS system, focusing on key areas to enhance usability and efficiency:

  • System Familiarization: Conducted an in-depth analysis of the existing system to grasp its core functions and workflows, enabling a user-centered redesign.

  • Interface Redesign: Led the redesign efforts for desktop, iPad, and iPhone, refining interactions and layouts to improve efficiency and usability.

  • Functional Flow Optimization: Evaluated and restructured operational flows, simplifying complex processes to create a more intuitive experience.

  • New Feature Development: Designed new features based on customer requests, identifying pain points, exploring multiple solutions, and implementing the most effective ones.

  • User-Centered Improvements: Regularly analyzed customer feedback, prioritizing enhancements that aligned with user needs to ensure continuous product evolution.

The new interface was both visually appealing and highly intuitive, receiving positive customer feedback and significantly increasing user engagement. Following its launch in January 2016, iTunes reported a 20% increase in App Store views, contributing to the successful deployment of hundreds of terminals and securing a $1M investment from M1.

In 2019, I took on a freelance project to design a mobile POS system for iOS, built in Swift with support for light and dark modes. Adhering to iOS design guidelines, I ensured a seamless, user-friendly experience tailored to Apple’s standards.

Enhancing E-Commerce Experiences for Retail Businesses

Context

Octopus Retail Management provides omnichannel solutions to help merchants seamlessly connect online and offline shopping experiences. During my time at Octopus, I worked on multiple e-commerce projects, gaining hands-on experience in optimizing user experiences for online retail.


Approach

I collaborated with project managers, clients, and developers to ensure the system met customer needs, translating requirements into intuitive interfaces and smooth interaction flows. As Octopus had its own e-commerce builder system, I played a key role in maintaining and enhancing its UX/UI while also creating proposal designs for sales presentations.

Navigating challenges such as last-minute client changes, I focused on effective communication and thorough documentation to improve workflow efficiency. These experiences deepened my understanding of e-commerce, from managing large-scale inventories to designing loyalty programs and white-label solutions.

Outcome

During my time at Octopus, we successfully launched several major e-commerce projects across various industries, enhancing my expertise in retail and digital commerce. Notable projects included:

  • Power Mac Center – Apple Premium Reseller in the Philippines with 30+ outlets nationwide.

  • Benjamin Barker – A leading men’s fashion brand.

  • Melissa – An iconic brand renowned for its plastic footwear.

  • In Good Company – A contemporary Asian fashion brand.

  • Orbis – A Japanese skincare brand.

  • Sonata Dancewear – A brand specializing in dancewear products.

These projects provided invaluable experience in optimizing online retail solutions for different business needs.

© Yen Dang 2024

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