Sketch Annotation Tool
Streamlining project annotating to increase efficiency and improve communication between consultants, manufacturers, and customers.
Client
CustomMade
Project Type
Web App
Timeline
2021 - 2022
Role
Project owner & designer
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overview
CustomMade’s annotation process revealed an opportunity to elevate team collaboration, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costly errors by reimagining how sketches and 3D renderings were documented and shared.
CustomMade specializes in highly personalized projects, where effective communication between jewelry consultants and designers is essential to delivering quality results. The existing annotation workflow relied on manual processes and disjointed tools, which often led to miscommunication and errors. For users, this meant time-consuming corrections and frustration in their workflows. For the business that relies on trust and word-of-mouth referrals to drive their business, these errors could result in rework, returns, or negative customer experiences posing a significant risk to customer loyalty and brand reputation.
The Opportunity
By analyzing the current workflow and collaborating with the jewelry consultants who make the annotations, I identified key opportunities that addressed both user frustrations and critical business needs:
Bringing cohesion to the workflow: Disparate tools and inconsistent communication created unnecessary hurdles. A centralized solution could simplify collaboration.
Establishing a consistent format: Varied annotation practices often led to misunderstandings and inefficiencies, highlighting the need for a standardized process.
Improving operational efficiency: Streamlining repetitive, time-intensive tasks opened the door to faster turnaround times and more focused team efforts.
The GOAL
This project sought to create a centralized annotation tool that balances user needs with business objectives. The tool would enhance team collaboration, reduce operational inefficiencies, and protect customer trust by delivering consistent, accurate results. By addressing both the human and financial stakes of the process, the solution aimed to empower CustomMade’s employees while reinforcing its commitment to quality and satisfaction.
Research
Business research
Annotations were time-consuming, with consultants spending 5–10 minutes per image downloading, cropping, and re-uploading ring sketches to Google Slides for manual annotation. This process was repeated multiple times a day, contributing to significant operational inefficiencies. Additionally, the absence of a formal annotation system led to illegible notes, increasing the risk of manufacturing errors, costly revisions, and dissatisfied customers.
User research
Interviews with the jewelry consultant team manager and two consultants highlighted their reliance on visual annotations over written notes. Consultants voiced frustration with the manual, repetitive nature of their tasks and emphasized the need for a tool that could streamline their workflows while maintaining clarity. Mobile accessibility was also identified as a critical requirement, given that many customers reviewed sketches on their phones.
stakeholder input
Collaborating with the product manager and engineering team, I ensured that the solution aligned with CustomMade’s business objectives, including scalability and cost efficiency. Iterative feedback from jewelry consultants informed design adjustments to better address their needs and preferences.
Strategy
design solution
The annotation tool integrated directly with CustomMade's image library, allowing consultants to select and annotate images without leaving the platform. Key features included:
Interactive indicators: Numbered pins with clear contrast for visibility and accessibility, ensuring legibility across devices.
Split-screen interface: Displaying sketches alongside comments to reduce cognitive load.
Full screen mode: Supporting distraction-free viewing for detailed annotations.
Mobile first design: Optimized for small screens, enabling consultants to work seamlessly on the go.
