Orenga Design

Revolutionizing Cisco UCS: A Scalable, Human-Centered Design Strategy for a $4B Portfolio

BACKGROUND - Cisco Unified Computing Systems

Cisco sought to update their professional server workspace by enhancing the human aspects of their Cisco UCS converged and hyperconverged products, starting with design strategy and a complete rebranding of their modularized component line.

CHALLENGES

The project required a holistic approach to achieve scalability and create a design that could be retained over multiple product generations, ultimately streamlining manufacturing logistics and reducing costs.

 

SOLUTION

Our team developed a comprehensive design strategy that incorporated scalability and a consistent design language across generations. By addressing production material issues and ensuring global adaptability, we were able to create the first hardware design that was retained for three generations of products (M5, M6, and M7), resulting in significant cost savings.

USERS

The primary users for this project were Cisco's customers utilizing their professional server workspace, with a focus on creating a more human-centered design that would improve the overall user experience.

MY ROLE

As the sole designer on the team, I served as a design intermediary, resolving production material issues and ensuring seamless communication with stakeholders. I designed all components, instructed overseas graphics teams, conducted research for the entire line, and optimized ergonomics and out-of-the-box experience. I also designed a global graphics and icon system, managed materials approval with vendors, and successfully applied Cisco's corporate design system to this vertical.

RESULTS

The Cisco Unified Computing Systems M5 Product Family was the first generation to reuse the entire design language, leading to increased brand recognition and scalability. This approach saved Cisco an estimated $200M through reduced redesign, retooling, storage, and increased reuse of chassis components.