IBM Z-Pricer

Lead Product Designer

What is ZPricer?
Z-Pricer offers a consumption-based pricing for software and hardware to simplify and predict pricing. It is ​based on a “pay as you go” utility method. This ​offering replaces the outdated ​pricing methodologies and ultimately saved our users ​money. This pricing model is specifically for IBM’s Z systems (product) to predict pricing.

Users
Resellers | Techliners | Managers

What is the goal?
To consolidate and automate the quoting process to effectively compare and recommend the best prices.

A user needs a way to ____, so they can _____.

After working with our project manager, I scoped this initiative to understand behind the business and user’s objective. We conducted a problem statement workshop to understand the user’s goals in zPricer and other areas to explore. We formed two hypothesis that we wanted to addressed and defined.
01 Accurate Processing
02 Simplify data complexity

Based on previous research done, I crafted a few questions on the pricing processes and data sources. I conducted a few rounds of user interviews to understand the initial process and any pain points. I found the following:

Product is complex

It takes three spreadsheets to calculate a quote. There are 1000s of product combinations to create a quote.

Long process time

The end-to-end process takes 2 - 3 days.

Number of users

There are 500+ users
(General managers, techliners, sellers)

8000+ quotes per month

That’s a lot of quotes.

There are three spreadsheets that we needed to consolidate into Z-Pricer. These are Container Price Devtest (CPD), Quoting Process Tool (QPT), and Tailored Fit Pricing (TFP). While it provides a way for users to price their products, it was overwhelming and outdated with a steep learning curve. Users had to read through instructions before attempting to add any data into the spreadsheet. This was time consuming, which could lead to losing a potential client.

01

To consolidate and automate the quoting process

Developed and prioritized pricing dataset into a seamless flow

02

To simplify data overload by creating a data visualization

Design a user-friendly and well-organized data interface that allows users to view overall price information.

Based on our user feedback, they suggested a data visualization page after importing and managing their prices. This was an opportunity to redesign the layout and incorporate a data analytics component into the tool. Which allows a clear overview of multiple data set related the three spreadsheets. By implementing data visualizations, we can dynamically reflect changes in pricing as users adjust their input in real-time.

By leveraging IBM’s design system library (Carbon), I modernized and create a cohesive visual flow to be intuitive and cohesive through the experience.

Based on IBM’s data visualization guidelines, I organized the containers by the order from top-left to bottom-right. I used the area+line chart to display the month-to-month trends, which was a user requirement. After vetted by our users, they found them easier to track their data in one place.

Our research method:

• 3-4 dedicated sellers in EMEA and Australia

• User feedback on a prototype.

• Walkthrough scenarios based on each user task.

Findings from our users:

• Majority agrees that the application is easy to follow

• Need sections to input manually to validate their pricing.

• Users are excited for new data visualization charts in TFP.

• Exporting is still key to submit for bids with their customer

Launched in Q1 of 2025, we will be tracking these following metrics:

• Benchmark timeframe to quote

• Tracking end-to-end overtime

• Number of quotes created and submitted per month