Introduction
SDLV2 is a comprehensive redesign of a critical levy management system under SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). The project aimed to transform a complex backend platform into a more intuitive, efficient, and user-friendly system, supporting both business goals and day-to-day operational needs.
The platform consists of nine core modules, each comprising multiple sub-modules to streamline specific processes:
-
Workbench Summary
-
Case Management
-
Payment Records
-
Employer Profiles
-
Template Settings
-
Workflow Settings
-
FormSG Upload
-
Reports and Data Aggregation
All modules are interconnected, each design decision had to take into account cross-module dependencies, consistency, and scalability. This required a holistic design approach to ensure smooth navigation, data accuracy, and a seamless user experience across the entire system.
Brand Guidelines
Brand guidelines establish the visual and verbal rules that keep a brand consistent and recognizable across all touchpoints.
Why Roboto?
Roboto is often considered the closest modern counterpart to Arial, combining versatility, professionalism, and readability. Its slightly condensed structure makes it especially effective when dealing with dense content or limited screen space. Originally developed by Google as the system font for Android, Roboto was designed to be “modern, yet approachable” and to carry a subtle sense of “emotional” warmth.
For SDLv2, a data-heavy UI platform, Roboto’s condensed form ensures clarity without sacrificing space, making it an excellent choice for balancing functionality with a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
Problem
The legacy system was complex, fragmented, and difficult to navigate, causing challenges such as:
-
High cognitive load due to inconsistent workflows across modules
-
Difficulty tracking cases across multiple systems
-
Inefficient manual processes that slowed down operations
-
Limited reporting and analytics capabilities for decision-making
Operational users often had to switch between multiple modules to complete a single task, increasing time spent and risk of errors.
Design Process
Research & Discovery
-
Conducted stakeholder interviews with SSG officers and backend users to understand workflows and pain points.
-
Mapped end-to-end user journeys, identifying where dependencies between modules caused friction.
-
Reviewed legacy screens and business requirements to align design goals with operational needs.
-
Weekly Requirement Gathering sessions to cover different modules with the team related to it.
Information Architecture
-
Designed a modular system structure where each module had clear ownership of functions but connected seamlessly to others.
-
Created navigation flows that supported cross-module interactions.
Project Management with Jira
To manage the complex, multi-module SDLV2 project, we used Jira as our central collaboration and workflow tool.
-
Organising Tasks: Each module and sub-module was broken into user stories and tasks, making it easy to track progress and assign ownership.
-
Agile Sprints: Jira supported our sprint cycles, helping the team visualise work-in-progress and plan priorities efficiently.
-
Design-Development Alignment: Wireframes, Figma links, and design notes were attached to Jira tickets, ensuring smooth collaboration between design and development.
-
Dependency & Workflow Tracking: Interlinked modules required careful coordination; Jira allowed us to map dependencies and manage blockers proactively.
-
Visibility & Reporting: Dashboards provided real-time progress tracking, helping stakeholders stay informed and supporting data-driven decisions throughout the project.
Using Jira, the team maintained alignment, transparency, and efficiency, enabling the delivery of a consistent and user-friendly SDLV2 platform across all modules.
UI Design
Developed a design system with reusable components to ensure consistency across nine modules. Applied a data-first interface design to prioritise clarity, hierarchy, and usability.
Key Challenges & Solutions
-
Challenge: Complex dependencies between modules
Solution: Designed with cross-module interactions in mind, ensuring smooth data flow and consistent actions.
-
Challenge: Backend-heavy workflows not user-friendly
Solution: Introduced simplified navigation, task prioritisation, and clear data presentation to reduce cognitive load.
-
Challenge: Need for scalability and future enhancements
Solution: Structured the system as modular components so new features could be added without disrupting existing workflows.
Outcome & Impact
-
Improved efficiency by reducing redundant steps and consolidating workflows.
-
Enhanced usability with consistent patterns and a unified interface across modules.
-
Provided SSG officers with better data visibility through reporting and dashboards.
-
Established a design foundation that supports future scalability and continuous improvement.