Contributor Payments
Although this wasn't a large project, it is the most satisfying project I have been involved with because we solved a real problem that made many of Skyword's freelance writers' jobs easier.
Problem
Writers need to file tax information periodically. Initially, the payment report was created to show a contributor how much money they made over a specific date range.
We learned over time that many contributors write for more than one client. Writing for multiple clients meant that a contributor had to visit multiple pages to view the payment history for each client from which she received payments.
Approach
1. Understand the problems contributors have with gathering payment information
2. Brainstorm and wireframe solutions
3. Test wireframes with stakeholders
4. Run a usability study with contributors
Understanding the problem
Skyword has community managers who manage and maintain a relationship with the pool of freelance writers, and they often receive feedback from the writers. I interviewed two community managers to understand the frustrations writers were having in retrieving their payment records.
Solutions
We worked through multiple iterations of designs and found that we should include a summary panel showing the most recent payment totals on the contributor's home page and link from the summary panels to a detailed and configurable report.
Validation
I reviewed the wireframes with a group of contributors at Skyword's annual content marketing conference to validate our solution.
Usability
When we were confident we had correct data, understood the timing of payments, and were satisfied with the designs, I ran a usability study to learn if contributors understood the report, could demonstrate using the report, and if the report gave them the payment information they needed.
Wireframes
Dashboard wireframe
Payment summary panel wireframe
Payments report wireframe
Final Designs
Summary panel final result
Payment report final result