How HeadChannel Redesigned a Global B2B Data Platform

An international platform for business development data needed complex processes to feel simple. HeadChannel implemented a new design, rebuilt search and moved the platform to a new server, making it up to ten times faster.

HeadChannel for Global B2B Data Platform

Global B2B Data Platform

Client: Global B2B Data Platform
Agency: HeadChannel, part of Cohaesus
Type of work: Software & apps, Integration & data
Sector: Professional Services
Scope: UX and CX implementation, front-end development, search, server migration, data integration

The client runs an integrated platform of data and insight for planning and running 360-degree business development campaigns. It works internationally and is a trusted source for providers of marketing services. Its analysts and researchers work with more than 20,000 budget holders around the world, building a database of decision-makers at some of the world's most influential brands.

The Challenge

The platform combined complex, demanding processes, and the client wanted them behind a simple user journey. HeadChannel's job was to implement a design the client had prepared and match it precisely to the platform's functionality and its UX and CX requirements. Along the way the team had to work out:

How to present data clearly and keep the front end in step with the back end
How to speed up data retrieval
How to download and process data from many sources
How to make the data easier to analyse

The Approach

HeadChannel set priorities with the client, analysed its business needs and produced a list of functions, wireframes and user stories. The team then changed all of the graphic design, the structure and presentation of some of the data, and the technical infrastructure.

Search. New advanced search lets users filter by sector, location, finance and number of employees. Users could browse the contact details of individual companies, or specific products within reports, and search briefings by sector and product.
Speed. HeadChannel recommended moving to a newer server, helped choose and configure it, and changed the search algorithms.
News and reports. A news feed with a live option, and the latest reports with notifications and statistics. Reports are ranked by clicks and recency, and daily email alerts were made more relevant to each user.
Financial data. The platform was integrated with many financial data sets.

The Outcome

The platform has a fresh look, is easier to use and runs up to ten times faster. Users praise its advanced search, its large base of contacts and its integrations with popular financial systems. With the system stable, the next steps are updating the back end, documenting the build, and proposing iOS and Android apps.