Google eSIM

Role
Principal Designer
AREA
UX Design
YEAR
2017
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Overview

eSIM is a digital SIM chip embedded into a device’s hardware that allows you to activate service without having to insert/remove a physical SIM card. The main benefits of eSIM include increased security and ease of setup.

Designed and launched Google's eSIM activation experience in Android Setup Wizard, and received a nice hat tip from Sundar at Google I/O.

"The experience is pure magical... we should build more things that way."

- Sundar at Google I/O 2017

Challenge

Designing for eSIM is already challenging given the highly technical nature of the problem space, but interviews with core team members indicated some additional hurdles.

  • The previous designs had been mis-interpreted at implementation leading to a cross-PA conflict
  • Project milestones lacked clarity and ownership
  • Recent turnover on the team meant that requirements documentation (though dense) was inconsistent and sparse
  • Completion required getting signoff by the GSMA — a regulatory body establishing the parameters within which eSIM will continue to exist for generations to come
Before
Action

Streamline communication

  • Set up recurring cross-functional check-ins
  • Coached TPGM toward documenting decisions and next steps
  • Re-engaged with our cross-PA partners to share insights, and ensure alignment

Increase accountability

  • Get aligned on terminology and project milestones
  • Meticulously maintain prototypes by device type and configuration
  • Host in-depth reviews to discuss nuance and trade-offs

Deliver a reusable system

  • Documented Design Principles to codify insights for future iteration
  • Handoff a single source of truth to Eng
After
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Description
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