1: Psychology-Based Design

1. Mental model matching - Organize software around user thinking, not technical architecture

2. Cognitive load reduction - Eliminate unnecessary thinking requirements

3. Workflow optimization - Design task sequences matching natural thinking progression

4. Information presentation alignment - Present data supporting decision-making patterns

2: Business-Results Engineering

1. Outcome-focused design - Every element supports specific business goals

2. Efficiency measurement - Built-in tracking of productivity improvements

3. ROI demonstration capability - Software changes that prove business value

4. Success pathway optimization - Clear routes from software interaction to business results

Starting Point:

• Manufacturing company, $300K ERP investment:
• 90% employee adoption
• 8.5/10 user satisfaction
• Order processing time unchanged after 18 months
• Inventory accuracy improved only 2%
• No measurable productivity gains

The Problem: Software digitized existing processes without optimizing workflows.

1. Document user thinking vs. current software organizations:

Production managers think: urgency → resource requirements → bottleneck impact

ERP organized by: customer details → product specs → inventory → scheduling

2. Connect every function to specific business result delivery:

Real goal wasn't order entry - it was optimal production flow minimizing delays and maximizing equipment utilization.

3. Map natural thinking progression against workflow design:

Redesign around production flow thinking: urgent orders first, resource conflict highlighting, bottleneck impact visualization.

Interface Changes:

1. Production Flow Dashboard: Orders by production efficiency impact, not entry date

2. Resource Conflict Alerts: Immediate visibility when orders compete for resources

3. Bottleneck Impact Visualization: How order decisions affect production flow

4. One-Click Optimization: Reorganize schedule based on efficiency algorithms

Workflow Changes:

1. Eliminated 4-screen navigation for status checks

2. Reduced cognitive translation between order details and production impact

3. Integrated decision support showing efficiency implications

4. Automated routine decisions not requiring manager judgment

Implement tracking for business outcome improvements

• Order processing time tracking
• Production efficiency metrics
• Decision quality measurement
• Manager time allocation analysis

Customer success velocity: 40-60% faster outcome achievement

Support burden: 30-50% reduction in tickets

Trial conversion improvement through clearer value demonstration

Customer retention: 20-35% churn reduction

Task completion: 25-50% faster workflows

Error rates: 30-40% reduction in mistakes

• Complete workflow redesign aligned with user mental models and business requirements
• Interface implementation focused on outcome delivery, not visual appeal
• Success measurement framework with built-in productivity tracking
• Performance validation proving measurable business results
• Team training on optimized workflows and improvement processes
• Team: Senior specialists working directly with your team