Overview

I worked with a dedicated team to conceive, design and build the PromoSuite+ SaaS platform for radio broadcasters. Every day, PromoSuite+ users produce thousands of commercials, promotional liners, and digital ads.

PromoSuite+ is organized into modules for production, promotions and digital ads, allowing workflows and features to be activated for each broadcaster and subscription. All modules run on a single platform that offers task management, automated  workflows, order specific chat, and API integrations.

In addition to production workflows, PromoSuite+ offers a scheduling system and jock console for every radio station to run on-air promotions and contests on thousands of time slots.

Scope of Project

- Qualitative User Research
- User Personas, Task and Workflow Analysis
- Style Guide and Design System
- Responsive Web Design for desktop and tablet
- Mobile app for reviews and approvals
- API Integrations with Traffic systems

Research

Due to the scope of this application, I divided Discovery into phases. The workflows and requirements for each module - Production, Digital and Promotions - required a deep dive to map out user roles, user journeys and tasks. I interviewed stakeholders, observed how they completed tasks, and recorded all the edge cases in their work.

Our Go To Market strategy was to launch the Production module first, and then roll out the Digital module, and Promotions module later.

My Tasks List

The user experience of producing radio spots, digital ads, and promotions, on tight deadlines is pretty stressful. Each item is custom made, involves numerous steps, and must always be error-free and on time. Coordination and timing is difficult, and this often led to frantic rushes to get a spot on air.

I designed a unique, prioritized task list for each team member to reduce their confusion, and cognitive stress - and increase their productivity. Users no longer had to determine what task to do next. Their work became more steady and focused. This reduced errors - and that impacted the bottom line. There were 65% fewer discounts offered, and customer satisfaction scores increased.

Production Tools

User interviews and observations unveiled numerous bottlenecks and pain points in the production workflow.

For example, script writers were wasting time trying to estimate the length of their scripts. I worked with our engineers to design and build a script timer that could provide an accurate length based on an adjustable "words per minute" timer.

Another example was that producers were struggling to select the right Voice Over talent for recordings. I designed a system where VO talent could add a reel to their profile, and producers could access those reels in the assignment tool, then listen and assign the right voice in minutes.

Client Reviews

The process of getting client approval for a radio spot, script or digital ad was another large bottleneck. Producers would email the spot to the Sales person or the client, and if there were changes requested, they were emailed back to the Sales person. Often the Sales person was out in meetings, and the approval or change request sat in their email inbox while production team waited.

I worked with engineering to design a review interface in the app, and then enable client access via a direct link. Now, when a client provides feedback, it is instantly added to the producer's My Tasks queue. This has dramatically reduced the time to turn around a change request, and get a spot on air.

No-code form builders

PromoSuite+ embraces the modern no-code architecture to provide greater flexibility and autonomy to our users. Every broadcaster has a suite of default forms, templates and workflows that they can customize to their needs. Putting all this power in the hands of our users greatly reduces the time and cost associated with customizing traditional enterprise applications.

Jock console

After designing all the tools for scheduling liners and contests, we chose to design our own console for on air talent. This console pulls in a personalized on air task list for each jock. They can read liners, and run contests as scheduled. They can also record liners for multiple stations across the country.

The new jock console tracks all activity, and provides reporting and insights for station managers and clients.

Results

PromoSuite secured contracts with a number of broadcasters for the PromoSuite+ commercial radio and digital ad production modules. We successfully onboarded thousands of users, and over 2 years, our clients successfully produced millions of radio spots and digital ads. Our success caught the attention of the industry, and within 3 years of launching, PromoSuite was acquired by private equity group Banyan Capital Partners.

Within 3 years, PromoSuite was acquired by private equity group Banyan Capital Partners.