Homepage Design + Migration

Summary

Azure is a leading cloud computing platform that enables businesses to build, deploy, and manage applications efficiently. As a member of the design team, I played an integral role in enhancing the website's user experience and visual design. My contributions included migrating the site to Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), designing high-impact pages such as the homepage, and refining the overall user experience. I also collaborated closely with both Microsoft and Azure teams to ensure a cohesive brand identity and design strategy.

Overview

One of our team’s most impactful contributions was designing and updating the homepage each month—a process that required months of preparation. From curating content, videos, and featured products to navigating multiple layers of approvals, the process was both intricate and time-intensive. Even after final approval, last-minute changes were often requested, requiring us to reprioritize other projects to meet tight deadlines.

In addition to the homepage, our team focused on migrating the site to Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and maintaining the new design system. We successfully migrated over 200 pages, including products, solutions, pricing, resources, and other various content types. Each page followed a structured template with slight customizations to suit specific needs.

These projects typically had faster turnaround times and required fewer revisions compared to the homepage. My role involved contributing to or collaborating on all aspects of the site, ensuring design consistency, usability, and a seamless user experience across all pages.

Challenges

At Azure, some of our biggest challenges were tight timelines and project management. To address these, we collaborated with Microsoft and an external managed service team to expedite and prioritize tasks effectively. One key initiative was the development of an AI tool that automated a portion of our workflow, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

We also managed projects independently, carefully prioritizing tasks based on launch dates, stakeholder needs, and other challenges. At the same time, we successfully navigated restructuring efforts and adapted to shifting roles and responsibilities, ensuring the team stayed aligned and productive throughout these transitions.

Outcomes

As part of the design team for Azure, I significantly enhanced the platform’s user experience and visual design, contributing to key outcomes:

• Streamlined Operations: Supported the seamless migration of 200+ pages to Adobe Experience Manager (AEM), optimizing content management and scalability.

• Strengthened Brand Consistency: Maintained and refined brand guidelines, ensuring a cohesive and unified design across Azure’s digital presence.

• Elevated Homepage Engagement: Contributed to the design updates of the Azure.com homepage, integrating impactful visuals and user-centric content.

These initiatives resulted in improved operational efficiency, consistent branding, and an elevated user experience across Azure’s website.