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. Group by device type, category, and location.
2. Upgrade to AG Grid.
3. Add visual risk indicators.
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.