Senior Product Designer

(Based in San Francisco)

@ 2025 All rights reserved

Senior Product Designer

(Based in San Francisco)

@ 2025 All rights reserved

Senior Product Designer

(Based in San Francisco)

@ 2025 All rights reserved

Universal Scheduling

Streamlining the scheduling of all marketing assets & using AI-powered recommendations to improve the creation and strategizing of campaigns

Role

Design lead

Timeline

January 2025 - Present

Team

Design lead, Content Designer, UX Researcher

Deliverables

End to end conceptualization and design of flow for all channel types

Overview

A note to the reader

Thank you for your interest! You’re viewing Part 2 of a two-part case study. While each part stands alone, I recommend checking out Part 1: Universal Editor for the full picture. Together they highlight our platform overhaul to promote "multi-channel campaign" creation i.e encouraging users to expand beyond one channel (e.g., SMS) to include others, like email and social media. Part 1 covers asset & campaign creation, while Part 2 here focuses on scheduling posts/assets as part of a campaign.

A note to the reader

Thank you for your interest! You’re viewing Part 2 of a two-part case study. While each part stands alone, I recommend checking out Part 1: Universal Editor for the full picture. Together they highlight our platform overhaul to promote "multi-channel campaign" creation i.e encouraging users to expand beyond one channel (e.g., SMS) to include others, like email and social media. Part 1 covers asset & campaign creation, while Part 2 here focuses on scheduling posts/assets as part of a campaign.

A note to the reader

Thank you for your interest! You’re viewing Part 2 of a two-part case study. While each part stands alone, I recommend checking out Part 1: Universal Editor for the full picture. Together they highlight our platform overhaul to promote "multi-channel campaign" creation i.e encouraging users to expand beyond one channel (e.g., SMS) to include others, like email and social media. Part 1 covers asset & campaign creation, while Part 2 here focuses on scheduling posts/assets as part of a campaign.

About
Constant Contact

20

Constant Contact helps businesses & creators generate, manage, & schedule all their marketing assets, such as social posts, landing pages, & more

About
Constant Contact

Constant Contact helps businesses & creators generate, manage, & schedule all their marketing assets, such as social posts, landing pages, & more

About
Constant Contact

20

Constant Contact helps businesses & creators generate, manage, & schedule all their marketing assets, such as social posts, landing pages, & more

Terms used frequently
To help this audience become familiar with the terminology used here

These terms may be unfamiliar to some audiences, so this legend is provided to help them familiarize themselves with the lingo

Asset

Marketing material created for a specific channel, such as a welcome email

Channel

Different marketing mediums, such as email, social posts, and SMS, are referred to as channels

Campaign

A marketing campaign consists of multiple assets with related messaging delivered to an audience over time. It can include assets from one or more channels. Example: 2 emails and 1 social post form a campaign

Terms used frequently
To help this audience become familiar with the terminology used here

These terms may be unfamiliar to some audiences, so this legend is provided to help them familiarize themselves with the lingo

Asset

Marketing material created for a specific channel, such as a welcome email

Channel

Different marketing mediums, such as email, social posts, and SMS, are referred to as channels

Campaign

A marketing campaign consists of multiple assets with related messaging delivered to an audience over time. It can include assets from one or more channels. Example: 2 emails and 1 social post form a campaign

Terms used frequently
To help this audience become familiar with the terminology used here

These terms may be unfamiliar to some audiences, so this legend is provided to help them familiarize themselves with the lingo

Asset

Marketing material created for a specific channel, such as a welcome email

Channel

Different marketing mediums, such as email, social posts, and SMS, are referred to as channels

Campaign

A marketing campaign consists of multiple assets with related messaging delivered to an audience over time. It can include assets from one or more channels. Example: 2 emails and 1 social post form a campaign

The problem
Variable & disconnected scheduling across channels

02

Challenges in strategizing marketing campaigns

Users also struggled to plan and strategize marketing campaigns (that often span weeks) on the platform for the same reason (above)

01

Scheduling new assets was challenging

The siloed scheduling and editing experiences limited users' visibility of existing sent or scheduled assets when posting or scheduling new content

The problem
Variable & disconnected scheduling across channels

02

Challenges in strategizing campaigns

Users also struggled to plan and strategize marketing campaigns (that often span weeks) on the platform for the same reason (above)

01

Scheduling new assets was challenging

The siloed scheduling and editing experiences limited users' visibility of existing sent or scheduled assets when posting or scheduling new content

The problem
Variable & disconnected scheduling across channels

02

Challenges in strategizing marketing campaigns

Users also struggled to plan and strategize marketing campaigns (that often span weeks) on the platform for the same reason (above)

01

Scheduling new assets was challenging

The siloed scheduling and editing experiences limited users' visibility of existing sent or scheduled assets when posting or scheduling new content

The solution
A robust Scheduling experience for all supported channels

20

A calendar-based scheduling tool with AI recommendations and auto-scheduling, making it easy to schedule multiple assets simultaneously. It provides a centralized view of all scheduled and sent posts, both within and outside the current marketing campaign

The solution
A robust Scheduling experience for all supported channels

A calendar-based scheduling tool with AI recommendations and auto-scheduling, making it easy to schedule multiple assets simultaneously. It provides a centralized view of all scheduled and sent posts, both within and outside the current marketing campaign

The solution
A robust Scheduling experience for all supported channels

20

A calendar-based scheduling tool with AI recommendations and auto-scheduling, making it easy to schedule multiple assets simultaneously. It provides a centralized view of all scheduled and sent posts, both within and outside the current marketing campaign

(Two part) design brief
Design brief ( 2 parts)
Support multi-channel editing and scheduling on the platform


01

Integrated Editor for Email, Social and SMS*

Integrated Editor for Email, Social etc.*

Redesigned existing editors into a unified, user-friendly experience, promoting multi-channel use with AI-generated posts, recommendations, content repurposing, and enhanced editor usability. This is detailed in a separate case study, see link below:

02

The Universal Scheduler (Scope of this study)

The Universal Scheduler (This study)

Design a unified scheduling experience to work in parallel with the Universal Editor, that supports multiple channels, including email, social media, and SMS. Through it, provide context and smart recommendations to help users confidently schedule their communications. Ensure intuitive, efficient workflows for creating, scheduling, and managing assets, delivering seamless functionality across all channels

Process

Research and insight
collection

We employed various research methods to explore the problem, gaining deeper insights into how marketers prefer to schedule posts, manage existing content, and their general expectations from a scheduling tool

02

Compeditor analysis

We analyzed 7 competitors with similar products—Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Buffer, Adobe Express Cloud, Metrocool & SproutSocial—to observe best practises around multi-post scheduling and understand how they implemented AI meaningfully.

01

Observation study

We gathered existing users of a different tool on the product that enabled users to generate multi-channel assets and observed them as they tried to schedule each asset individually

03

5 structured interviews

Many Constant Contact users rely on other tools for post scheduling and planning. We aimed to understand what aspects they value and their concerns. We spoke with both new and experienced marketers to gather insights

Research and insight
collection

We employed various research methods to explore the problem, gaining deeper insights into how marketers prefer to schedule posts, manage existing content, and their general expectations from a scheduling tool

02

Compeditor analysis

We analyzed 7 competitors with similar products—Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Buffer, Adobe Express Cloud, Metrocool & SproutSocial—to observe best practises around multi-post scheduling and understand how they implemented AI meaningfully.

01

Observation study

We gathered existing users of a different tool on the product that enabled users to generate multi-channel assets and observed them as they tried to schedule each asset individually

03

5 structured interviews

Many Constant Contact users rely on other tools for post scheduling and planning. We aimed to understand what aspects they value and their concerns. We spoke with both new and experienced marketers to gather insights

Research and insight
collection

We employed various research methods to explore the problem, gaining deeper insights into how marketers prefer to schedule posts, manage existing content, and their general expectations from a scheduling tool

02

Compeditor analysis

We analyzed 7 competitors with similar products—Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Buffer, Adobe Express Cloud, Metrocool & SproutSocial—to observe best practises around multi-post scheduling and understand how they implemented AI meaningfully.

01

Observation study

We gathered existing users of a different tool on the product that enabled users to generate multi-channel assets and observed them as they tried to schedule each asset individually

03

5 structured interviews

Many Constant Contact users rely on other tools for post scheduling and planning. We aimed to understand what aspects they value and their concerns. We spoke with both new and experienced marketers to gather insights

Lo-fidelity designs
to push the boundaries and share the experience

We leveraged the generative research to inspire this next step

20

Drag & drop, AI suggested dates and posts and more

Using wireframes as an exploratory tool, we mapped out every aspect of the tool. The low-stakes approach allowed us to explore various possibilities and push the boundaries of the scheduling experience across all channel types, laying a strong and exciting foundation for the next stages

Lo-fidelity designs
to push the boundaries and share the experience

We leveraged the generative research to inspire this next step

Drag & drop & AI recommended dates & posts

Using wireframes as an exploratory tool, we mapped out every aspect of the tool. The low-stakes approach allowed us to explore various possibilities and push the boundaries of the scheduling experience across all channel types, laying a strong and exciting foundation for the next stages

Lo-fidelity designs
to push the boundaries and share the experience

We leveraged the generative research to inspire this next step

20

Drag & drop, AI suggested dates and posts and more

Using wireframes as an exploratory tool, we mapped out every aspect of the tool. The low-stakes approach allowed us to explore various possibilities and push the boundaries of the scheduling experience across all channel types, laying a strong and exciting foundation for the next stages

Testing ideas with a mid-fi
prototype over with 5 unmoderated tests with prospective users

20

We rapidly developed a prototype to test out ideas:

Are users able to understand and interact with the scheduling experience without any issues? Do users understand recommendations and best time to send?

Testing ideas with a mid-fi
prototype over with 5 unmoderated tests with prospective users

Rapid prototyping to test early

Are users able to understand and interact with the scheduling experience without any issues? Do users understand recommendations and best time to send?

Testing ideas with a mid-fi
prototype over with 5 unmoderated tests with prospective users

20

We rapidly developed a prototype to test out ideas:

Are users able to understand and interact with the scheduling experience without any issues? Do users understand recommendations and best time to send?

Key insights from testing
to further refine the new scheduling experience and AI recommendation patterns

02

Enhance the AI-generated post interface

The UI presented wasn't clear to some participants who looked for more distinction between their own drafts (in the switcher on the right) with the AI generated posts on the calendar

01

"Best times to send" could be augmented

While well-received by all, some experienced users sought transparency on how these dates were determined hesitating to trust recommendations that conflicted with their own strategies

03

Add essential features identified during testing

Testing revealed concerns around unscheduling, the ability to place drafts on the calendar, and send limits, accelerating our internal feature discovery process

Key insights from testing
to further refine the new scheduling experience and AI recommendation patterns

02

Enhance the AI-generated post interface

The UI presented wasn't clear to some participants who looked for more distinction between their own drafts (in the switcher on the right) with the AI generated posts on the calendar

01

"Best times to send" improvement

While well-received by all, some experienced users sought transparency on how these dates were determined hesitating to trust recommendations that conflicted with their own strategies

03

Essential features uncovered

Testing revealed concerns around unscheduling, the ability to place drafts on the calendar, and send limits, accelerating our internal feature discovery process

Key insights from testing
to further refine the new scheduling experience and AI recommendation patterns

02

Enhance the AI-generated post interface

The UI presented wasn't clear to some participants who looked for more distinction between their own drafts (in the switcher on the right) with the AI generated posts on the calendar

01

"Best times to send" could be augmented

While well-received by all, some experienced users sought transparency on how these dates were determined hesitating to trust recommendations that conflicted with their own strategies

03

Add essential features identified during testing

Testing revealed concerns around unscheduling, the ability to place drafts on the calendar, and send limits, accelerating our internal feature discovery process

Narrowing down
on our key users' persona

Based on further testing, we identified two key personas that would benefit most from this tool. We developed these personas to guide every design decision and inform future research

02

Digital marketters i.e franchise owners

‣ Eager to keep their audience engaged with a continuous stream of fresh content ‣Seeking better tools to enhance marketing efforts and save time ‣ Focused on audience targeting and increasing brand awareness

01

Dreamers- Novice & amateur sole props

‣ Curious about strategies that will most effectively benefit their business ‣Seeking personalized recommendations ‣Looking for expert support (that's us!)

Narrowing down
on our key users' persona

Based on further testing, we identified two key personas that would benefit most from this tool. We developed these personas to guide every design decision and inform future research

02

Digital marketters i.e franchise owners

‣ Eager to keep their audience engaged with a continuous stream of fresh content ‣Seeking better tools to enhance marketing efforts and save time ‣ Focused on audience targeting and increasing brand awareness

01

Dreamers- Novice & amateur sole props

‣ Curious about strategies that will most effectively benefit their business ‣Seeking personalized recommendations ‣Looking for expert support (that's us!)

Narrowing down
on our key users' persona

Based on further testing, we identified two key personas that would benefit most from this tool. We developed these personas to guide every design decision and inform future research

02

Digital marketters i.e franchise owners

‣ Eager to keep their audience engaged with a continuous stream of fresh content ‣Seeking better tools to enhance marketing efforts and save time ‣ Focused on audience targeting and increasing brand awareness

01

Dreamers- Novice & amateur sole props

‣ Curious about strategies that will most effectively benefit their business ‣Seeking personalized recommendations ‣Looking for expert support (that's us!)

Revisting features & scope
of the project, based on the multiple user interviews

02

Multiple channels can be scheduled at once

Rather than scheduling each channel individually, we want to support the idea of "multi-channel" in scheduling process- keeping the relation between assets clear & allowing for bulk scheduling

01

The right level of context for scheduling new posts

Customers need visibility into their existing marketing efforts to make informed scheduling decisions. Displaying other channels and campaigns in a calendar view provides the necessary context

03

Leverage existing data for recommendations

Use account level data to recommend posts and reduce time spent by users on creating new assets. Also use reporting data and industry standards to recommend best times to send.

Revisting features & scope
of the project, based on the multiple user interviews

02

Simultaneoulys scheduling all channels

Rather than scheduling each channel individually, we want to support the idea of "multi-channel" in scheduling process- keeping the relation between assets clear & allowing for bulk scheduling

01

Conveying context for scheduling new posts

Customers need visibility into their existing marketing efforts to make informed scheduling decisions. Displaying other channels and campaigns in a calendar view provides the necessary context

03

Leverage existing data to recommend

Use account level data to recommend posts and reduce time spent by users on creating new assets. Also use reporting data and industry standards to recommend best times to send.

Revisting features & scope
of the project, based on the multiple user interviews

02

Multiple channels can be scheduled at once

Rather than scheduling each channel individually, we want to support the idea of "multi-channel" in scheduling process- keeping the relation between assets clear & allowing for bulk scheduling

01

The right level of context for scheduling new posts

Customers need visibility into their existing marketing efforts to make informed scheduling decisions. Displaying other channels and campaigns in a calendar view provides the necessary context

03

Leverage existing data for recommendations

Use account level data to recommend posts and reduce time spent by users on creating new assets. Also use reporting data and industry standards to recommend best times to send.

Design

Updates to flow following
the 5 un-moderated tests

20

We iteratively improved certain interactions based on the feedback received. Since this flow also supported single channel, single asset scheduling we reconsidered how to progressively reveal some of the recommendations.

Updates to the flow
after testing

We iteratively improved certain interactions based on the feedback received. Since this flow also supported single channel, single asset scheduling we reconsidered how to progressively reveal some of the recommendations.

Updates to flow following
the 5 un-moderated tests

20

We iteratively improved certain interactions based on the feedback received. Since this flow also supported single channel, single asset scheduling we reconsidered how to progressively reveal some of the recommendations.

Before

Users were confused to see AI-suggested posts after clicking "Schedule," instead of their drafts

After

Instead, users would now see the best times to send the last edited or active post to assist with scheduling

Before

The UI of AI-generated post recommendations closely resembled user-created drafts, causing confusion

After

We modified the UI to distinguish suggestions from drafts and added messaging to clarify their purpose

Before

Early versions of the settings popover overlooked several nuanced actions related to scheduling

After

This then underwent multiple iterations to address the unique nuances of settings for each channel

Final designs
for cross channel scheduling

text

This project underwent several additional iterations and rounds of testing and was influenced by collaboration with channel-specific teams (Email, Social, etc.) as well as technical constraints. Below is the first iteration of the product, set for release at the end of Q2

Final designs
for cross channel scheduling

This project underwent several additional iterations and rounds of testing and was influenced by collaboration with channel-specific teams (Email, Social, etc.) as well as technical constraints. Below is the first iteration of the product, set for release at the end of Q2

Final designs
for cross channel scheduling

text

This project underwent several additional iterations and rounds of testing and was influenced by collaboration with channel-specific teams (Email, Social, etc.) as well as technical constraints. Below is the first iteration of the product, set for release at the end of Q2

Biggest challenges
and learniing opportunities

Constant need for real time problem solving

We met often and collaboratively addressed a wide range of problems and blockers in real-time. I gott comfortable relying heavily on my intuition to provide solutions and proactively anticipate potential challenges

Designing with ongoing engineering spikes

We were moving at incredible speeds to be first to market in this space. This meant I had to get very comfortable with not having all the information when I was designing

Collaborating Across 4+ Teams & trade-offs

I collaborated closely with the Email, Social, SMS, and Payflow teams, understanding their challenges, aligning priorities, and making trade-offs to keep everyone moving forward

Biggest challenges
and learniing opportunities

Constant need for real time problem solving

We met often and collaboratively addressed a wide range of problems and blockers in real-time. I gott comfortable relying heavily on my intuition to provide solutions and proactively anticipate potential challenges

Designing with ongoing engineering spikes

We were moving at incredible speeds to be first to market in this space. This meant I had to get very comfortable with not having all the information when I was designing

Collaborating Across 4+ Teams & trade-offs

I collaborated closely with the Email, Social, SMS, and Payflow teams, understanding their challenges, aligning priorities, and making trade-offs to keep everyone moving forward

Biggest challenges
and learniing opportunities

Constant need for real time problem solving

We met often and collaboratively addressed a wide range of problems and blockers in real-time. I gott comfortable relying heavily on my intuition to provide solutions and proactively anticipate potential challenges

Designing with ongoing engineering spikes

We were moving at incredible speeds to be first to market in this space. This meant I had to get very comfortable with not having all the information when I was designing

Collaborating Across 4+ Teams & trade-offs

I collaborated closely with the Email, Social, SMS, and Payflow teams, understanding their challenges, aligning priorities, and making trade-offs to keep everyone moving forward

Outcome expected
post launch in Q2

This feature is scheduled to release at the end of May 2025. Watch this space for metrics to measure impact

Increase in new-to-the-franchise activation rates

Multi-channel (editing and) scheduling across multiple channels is unavailble across compeditors. We hope that this unique offering boosts number of trialers acivating to paid plans

Increase in publish (send/schedule) rates

Due to ease of cross channel scheduling and higher quality content created with personalised AI recommendations

Outcome expected
post launch in Q2

This feature is scheduled to release at the end of May 2025. Watch this space for metrics to measure impact

Increased in trialers activating

Multi-channel (editing and) scheduling across multiple channels is unavailble across compeditors. We hope that this unique offering boosts number of trialers acivating to paid plans

Increase in publish (send/schedule) rates

Due to ease of cross channel scheduling and higher quality content created with personalised AI recommendations

Outcome expected
post launch in Q2

This feature is scheduled to release at the end of May 2025. Watch this space for metrics to measure impact

Increase in new-to-the-franchise activation rates

Multi-channel (editing and) scheduling across multiple channels is unavailble across compeditors. We hope that this unique offering boosts number of trialers acivating to paid plans

Increase in publish (send/schedule) rates

Due to ease of cross channel scheduling and higher quality content created with personalised AI recommendations