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Unifying Avigilon

A Seamless Cloud Strategy for Security Operations

Role

Principal UX Designer

Company

Avigilon (Motorola Solutions)

Team

UX, PM, Engineering, Global Business Units

Platform

Cloud & On-Premise

Focus

Cross-Product Strategy

Overview

Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company, provides video management, cloud-based access control, and AI-powered analytics to streamline physical security operations. This project focused on developing a unified cloud strategy to simplify and connect workflows across our ecosystem of security tools, with a long-term vision for seamless hybrid environments.

Avigilon Cloud Workspaces screenshot Avigilon Cloud Workspaces (solution)

Problem Statement

The goal of this project was to eliminate redundant tasks and fragmented workflows across Avigilon's product suite (ACC, Access, Cloud, DMS, Orchestrate). Disconnected systems led to inconsistent experiences, missed alarms, and reduced productivity—especially in hybrid or air-gapped environments. The lack of interoperability and centralized user preferences caused frustration for integrators, security operators, and managers alike.

Users & Audience

Primary Personas

Integrator avatar

Integrators / Installers

Responsible for system setup across products

Security operator avatar

Security Operators

Monitor and respond to incidents in real-time

Security manager avatar

Security Operator Managers

Oversee operational efficiency and ensure reliability

IT admin avatar

IT Admins / Developers

Configure and manage system integrations

CSO avatar

Chief Security Officers

Responsible for policy enforcement and situational oversight

Roles & Responsibilities

As Principal UX Designer, I led the UX strategy for unifying workflows across cloud and on-premise products. I worked cross-functionally with PMs, engineers, and other designers across multiple applications to audit workflows, identify shared patterns, and propose a path toward integrated, persona-based experiences. We operated in a hybrid remote setup, collaborating across time zones and global business units.

Scope & Constraints

This initiative was broad and cross-cutting, spanning multiple product teams with varying timelines and technical debt. We had to work incrementally, proposing short-term wins while aligning toward a long-term vision.

Key Constraints:

  • Existing infrastructure limitations (e.g., partial SSO)
  • Dual environments (cloud vs. air-gapped/on-prem)
  • Inconsistent UX patterns and legacy UI components

Process & What I Did

1

Discovery

  • Mapped key tasks like alarm creation, map configuration, and camera management across ACC, Access, Cloud, and DMS
  • Identified pain points like duplicative setup, missing features in cloud (e.g., firearm detection), and inconsistent role permissions
Connected User Flow Diagram
2

Defined UX Priorities for Short-Term Wins

  • Recommended implementing Global Settings, a Waffle Menu launcher, and consistent navigation structures
  • Proposed sticky UI behaviors and role-based task shortcuts
  • Pushed for modularization and shared design system components (DS)
Short Term UX Goals
3

Outlined Long-Term UX Strategy

  • Defined vision for customizable integrated workspaces, dockable components, and widgetized dashboards
  • Envisioned a central entry point (Avigilon Portal) for SSO access and unified persona-specific experiences
  • Advocated for in-app collaboration and shared notification systems across all authenticated apps
Long Term UX Strategy
4

Cross-Team Workshops & Alignment

  • Facilitated stakeholder workshops to align on terminology (glossary), personas, and workflow overlaps
  • Partnered with engineering and product leads to understand system limitations and identify pilot areas (e.g., door-grants in cloud UI)
Cross-Team Workshops & Alignment
5

Future-Proofing & Feedback Integration

  • Designed integrated analytics hooks for heatmaps, in-app feedback, and bug tracking to continuously iterate
  • Emphasized the importance of supporting both connected and air-gapped clients in our hybrid strategy
Future-Proofing & Feedback Integration

Deep Dive Example

What did I do?

Audited the current experience of configuring alarms and maps across ACC, Access, and DMS. Created a matrix showing redundant configurations and missing interoperability between systems.

Why did I do it?

To identify the highest-friction workflows and prioritize areas where UX unification would have the biggest impact.

What was the result?

Created a shared reference artifact that highlighted missed alarms due to disconnected configurations. This directly informed the roadmap priority to unify alarm settings and integrate visual maps across platforms.

What did I learn?

Operators often switch between 2–3 apps during a single shift, increasing the risk of missed events. They rely heavily on mental models that break down when visual and functional parity is missing across platforms.

Outcomes & Lessons Learned

Cloud strategy proof of concept demonstration

Outcomes

  • Prioritized UX deliverables were included in the roadmap, including common navigation, user profiles, and SSO enablement
  • Led to the formation of a cross-functional working group to tackle integration of notifications, settings, and map sync
  • Spurred investment in Persona-led Role Management (RBAC) and a unified DS rollout across apps

Lessons Learned

  • Unification isn't just technical—it's deeply tied to user trust and consistency
  • Early alignment on terminology, personas, and interaction patterns prevents drift
  • We need better cross-product telemetry to support continuous improvement
  • Starting small with shared components and user preferences builds momentum toward bigger changes
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