ShareLink Application
Project Timeframe: 2017
Primary UX Designer | Cross-Platform Design Lead
iOS | Android | MacOS | WindowsOS
Role
Led UX design for Extron's first cross-platform collaborative sharing application, balancing the needs of technical A/V professionals with accessibility requirements for educators, office workers, and students across 4 platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac).
Business Challenge
The ShareLink application is a collaborative tool, which allows several users to share multiple images and sources on a large display in the same room. This is the first mobile and cross-platform application developed in house at Extron.
Impact At-A-Glance
✓ Launched Extron's first consumer-facing application, enabling entry into collaborative workspace market
✓ Designed seamless experience across 4 platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)
✓ Established Extron's first mobile design patterns and cross-platform design system
✓ Delivered on schedule despite shifting requirements and technical constraints
Perspective of a user testing the software. Once connected to a ShareLink device users can choose to share content to show on the large display in a room.
Strategic Challenge
Reality
Competitive analysis and user research revealed that our target audience didn’t need advanced A/V features that appeal to technically saavy consumers, they just needed something that worked.
Stakeholder’s Request
“We need to build features that match our competitors and appeal to our existing technical A/V customer base”
Process and Strategic Decision
Activities
Competitive Analysis & Requirements Definition Evaluated existing solutions (AirPlay, Chromecast, etc.) and synthesized requirements for broad audience
Multi-Platform Wireframing & Prototyping Created concepts for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac simultaneously to ensure consistency
Cross-Platform Design System Established design patterns balancing platform conventions with brand consistency
Iterative Usability Testing Conducted multiple testing rounds at different development stages with diverse user types
Developer Collaboration Worked closely with engineering to evaluate technical feasibility and adjust designs for platform constraints
Process
Over 6 months, I led UX design for Extron's first cross-platform application, working with engineering teams across mobile and desktop to create a cohesive sharing experience. I advocated for designing mobile and desktop platforms simultaneously rather than sequentially, ensuring consistency from the start despite pressure to ship mobile first. Through 3 rounds of usability testing at different development stages, I uncovered critical usability issues and refined designs iteratively to meet diverse user needs.
Evaluating existing design patterns in place, and describing to development groups.
One of hundreds of wireflows.
Key Decisions
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The Tension: Ship mobile first (faster to market) vs. design all platforms together (consistency)
My Choice: Design iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac simultaneously from the start
Impact: Achieved functional consistency across 4 platforms, preventing costly redesigns
Solution: Cross-Platform Design System
First comprehensive mobile design patterns at Extron
Platform-appropriate visual language
Reusable components for future products
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The Tension: Identical visual appearance everywhere vs. platform-appropriate patterns
My Choice: Prioritize functional consistency over visual uniformity—respect native patterns
Impact: Became company principle for mobile design—influencing future product strategy
Solution: Simplified Connection Flow
One-tap connection replacing complex A/V setup
Intuitive content sharing interface
Clear visual feedback for connection status
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The Tension: Technical A/V professionals need control; general users need simplicity
My Choice: Build flexible architecture adapting to user context—role-based interface
Impact: Enabled market expansion beyond existing A/V customer base
Solution: Role-Based Architecture
Hosts see session management controls
Participants see simplified sharing options
Maintains simplicity while enabling control
Exploring the differences between native application variations of a contextual menu.
Exploring the differences between native app variations for the sharing content screen.
Results
✓ Launched Extron's first cross-platform collaboration application, enabling entry into collaborative workspace market
✓ Delivered on Q3 2018 schedule despite changing requirements and technical constraints
✓ Established Extron's first mobile design language, creating foundation for future products
✓ Successfully bridged the gap between technical A/V users and general consumer audience
The ShareLink software will be available on Windows, Macintosh, Android and iOs platforms and will provide a consistent experience across all channels.