IBM watsonx.data
I was the primary visual designer for the initial launch phase of watsonx.data. My work focused on adapting the Carbon Design System to meet the high-density requirements of a technical data platform. I owned the end-to-end UI for the Infrastructure Manager and the SQL Workbench, ensuring that complex data topologies and code editing environments remained functional and intuitive.
Team
IBM watsonx.data
Timeline
2025
Role
Lead Visual Designer
The Challenge:
The primary challenge was managing the "cognitive load" of a data engineer. In the Infrastructure Manager, users struggled to visualize how their data engines and storage buckets were connected through simple lists. In the SQL Workbench, the challenge was "real estate management"—users needed as much space as possible to write code without losing the context of their metadata and schema.
The Challenge:
The primary challenge was managing the "cognitive load" of a data engineer. In the Infrastructure Manager, users struggled to visualize how their data engines and storage buckets were connected through simple lists. In the SQL Workbench, the challenge was "real estate management"—users needed as much space as possible to write code without losing the context of their metadata and schema.
The Strategy: Spatial Management
I moved beyond a static list view to solve a specific technical pain point: hidden dependencies. In a standard table, a user cannot easily see how a single storage bucket failure impacts multiple data engines. I designed a node-and-link logic that surfaced these relationships visually. By establishing clear "parent-child" hierarchies and status indicators within the canvas, I transformed a simple inventory list into a diagnostic tool that helps users identify system bottlenecks at a glance.
The Strategy: Spatial Management
I moved beyond a static list view to solve a specific technical pain point: hidden dependencies. In a standard table, a user cannot easily see how a single storage bucket failure impacts multiple data engines. I designed a node-and-link logic that surfaced these relationships visually. By establishing clear "parent-child" hierarchies and status indicators within the canvas, I transformed a simple inventory list into a diagnostic tool that helps users identify system bottlenecks at a glance.
SQL Workbench
For the SQL Workbench, I focused on maximizing the focus area for the editor. Through multiple iterations and user feedback, I refined the panel logic to balance metadata visibility with a wide coding environment. I optimized the sidebar interactions to ensure that power users could manage complex queries without the UI feeling cluttered or claustrophobic.
SQL Workbench
For the SQL Workbench, I focused on maximizing the focus area for the editor. Through multiple iterations and user feedback, I refined the panel logic to balance metadata visibility with a wide coding environment. I optimized the sidebar interactions to ensure that power users could manage complex queries without the UI feeling cluttered or claustrophobic.
Impact
Global 0-to-1 Launch
Established the foundational visual and layout patterns for a flagship platform that successfully shipped to over 100 countries.
Workflow Efficiency
Optimized the SQL Workbench real estate based on user feedback, directly increasing the focus area for technical tasks and reducing UI friction.
Recognition
- 2026 G2 Best Software Award:Top 50 IT Management Products.
- 2026 TrustRadius Buyer’s Choice: Awarded for excellence in the Data Lakehouse.
Impact
Global 0-to-1 Launch
Established the foundational visual and layout patterns for a flagship platform that successfully shipped to over 100 countries.
Workflow Efficiency
Optimized the SQL Workbench real estate based on user feedback, directly increasing the focus area for technical tasks and reducing UI friction.
Recognition
- 2026 G2 Best Software Award:Top 50 IT Management Products.
- 2026 TrustRadius Buyer’s Choice: Awarded for excellence in the Data Lakehouse.
Other Cases
Other Cases
