01
Researched NTG workflows to identify friction and simplify configuration into fewer steps.
Simplifying SD-WAN
Integrations and
NTG Creation
Simplified how teams configure SD-WAN and create NTGs, removing unnecessary steps along the way.
project overview
Simplifying Connectivity. Empowering Network Administrators.
From events to resolution. Helping network administrators use Secure Access events to quickly identify issues, understand their impact, and take action.
my role and ownership
Experience strategy through delivery
02
Mapped the NTG configuration flow, identifying pain points and simplifying setup.
03
Designed simplified NTG configuration flows and seamless SD-WAN integrations within Cisco Secure Access.
04
Designed desktop screens and introduced new UI components to create a more consistent experience across the platform.
research
Uncovering friction to simplify Secure Access workflows.
Customer Interviews
Expectations, barriers and decision-making.
Experience audit
Usability, consistency and UX design defects.
Other reviews
Complex configuration flows slowing down network administrators.
what we wanted to learn
Questions that guided the study.
01
How can we simplify NTG configuration and reduce the number of steps required for network administrators to complete setup?
02
How can we make SD-WAN integrations more intuitive and seamless within Cisco Secure Access?
03
How can we help administrators understand events and troubleshoot faster?
Strategy
Configuration complexity persisted —
the case for fewer, smarter steps.
Simplifying configuration, integrations, and troubleshooting for network administrators.
Simplify Configuration
Pain point
Complex, multi-step configuration
Opportunity
Simplify NTG setup and reduce unnecessary steps.
Connect the Ecosystem
Pain point
Disconnected SD-WAN integrations
Opportunity
Create a more seamless and consistent integration experience.
Make Events Actionable
Pain point
Events lack actionable context
Opportunity
Help administrators quickly understand issues and take action.
design principles
Simplify the Complex
Reduce steps and make technical configurations easier to navigate.
Turn Insights into Action
Help administrators understand events and resolve issues faster.
Connect the Experience
Create consistency across NTG, SD-WAN, and Secure Access workflows.
solution
Seamless Integration. Smarter Access.
This initiative simplified the integration of Cisco SD-WAN products into Secure Access, reducing complexity and creating a guided setup experience. Using existing credentials, administrators can quickly connect their environments with fewer steps.
- Explored multiple approaches to simplify the integration experience.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to define key information surfaced in Secure Access.
- Designed the end-to-end integration flow, focusing on simplicity and ease of setup.
- Contributed to a North Star initiative presented at a Cisco event, showcasing the future of integrated platform experiences.
NTG creation — Turning logs into insights.
Resource Connector Logs provide critical visibility into connectivity, performance, and configuration issues, helping administrators investigate problems faster and move toward resolution with greater confidence.
- Partnered with stakeholders to define requirements and information architecture.
- Designed UX concepts and high-fidelity screens to simplify complex data visualization.
- Collaborated with Engineering on UI QA to ensure design consistency and quality.
validation
More Visibility. Faster Resolution.
Bringing usage, connectivity, and infrastructure insights together to simplify troubleshooting.
Managing connectivity at scale
22+
Helping administrators monitor multiple tunnel groups and resource connectors from a centralized experience.
Connectivity signals
3
Key connectivity signals surfaced — Usage, Connectivity, Infrastructure.