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UPS

Client
UPS
Agency
AKQA
Role
UX Director
UPS, recognizing the growing importance of e-commerce and the challenges small businesses and consumers face in competing with major retailers, partnered with AKQA to develop an innovative mobile solution. This digital initiative aimed to simplify logistics for both shoppers and shippers, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits small businesses, consumers, and UPS. The project sought to revolutionize the UPS mobile app experience, empowering small businesses and enhancing customer satisfaction.
As a UX Director, I collaborated closely with Strategy and Creative Director Sarah Lockwood and Executive Director Thad Goad, initially leading the UX direction for the winning pitch that secured this opportunity. Over the course of a little over a year, our team embarked on an ambitious journey to completely redesign the UPS app from the ground up. My role involved spearheading the UX direction and processes within a small, dedicated team that maintained close, daily communication with the client throughout the process. We established a methodology that placed a strong emphasis on feature conceptualization and prioritization.
The new features and experience make it easier to send packages with one tap, ensure successful delivery on the first attempt, and effortlessly resolve problems when they arise. By utilizing native features like camera and contacts, as well as designing digital-first service offerings like instant shipping quotes and rich visual tracking details, the new UPS app is intuitive for customers to use while equipping mobile-first business owners with game-changing tools.
Initially released as a beta with frequent testing and updates, the fully launched app has seen widespread adoption, receiving strong reviews and ratings from both business owners and customers. Exceeding industry benchmarks for satisfaction and ease of use, this success demonstrates how shared insight, vision, and close partnership can create transformative change, ultimately helping small businesses compete more effectively with major retailers in the digital marketplace.

Full case study available upon request.

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