Designing Security Without Disruption

Web • IOS • Wireframes • Flowcharts • User Interface • Animation • Prototyping

Project Snapshot

Project: OT/IoT Security Platform

Company: Illumio

Timeline: 12 weeks

Role: Lead UX DesignerI led UX design for a project creating critical infrastructure tools. These systems use Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT), which differ from regular office computers. They control physical machines, connect through complex networks, and must not have downtime. Any disruption can halt production or cause safety issues.



The Challenge

Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems are unlike regular office IT. They power critical infrastructure—like factories, energy grids, and hospitals—where any disruption can cause massive downtime or safety risks.

These environments are:

  • Highly sensitive to change

  • Technically complex and layered

  • Risky to modify without disrupting essential operations


Approach

I focused on IoT Inventory view and an Interactive Map to enhance tracking, risk detection, and task management.

User Research & Process

12-Week Sprint: Discover → Define → Design → Deliver

Users: IT Security, OT Engineers, Compliance Officers, Executives
Process: Week 1-2 Discover → Week 3-4 Define → Week 5-7 Design → Week 8-12 iteration and delivery


Decisions for the Map view

  • 1. Geographic grouping for mental models

  • 2. Color-coded device categories

  • 3. Contextual device details on hover

  • 4. Zoom/filter for large datasets

 
 

Decisions for the Inventory table

  1. 1. Group by device type, category, and location.

  2. 2. Upgrade to AG Grid.

  3. 3. Add visual risk indicators.

  4. 4. Expandable slide-out with rich summaries.

 

Interactive videos coming soon!

I’m putting a lot of care into crafting this case study—hang tight, it’ll be worth the wait.

Credits

Analese Steverson Pugh

Firefighter/Product Manager

Murugavel Prabakaran
Super Human Software Engineer

A special thanks to the entire Intuit Design Systems team for making design more accessible for all.