Project Intro
CA DMV Digital Transformation
Starting in June 2023, the McKinsey team began working with the California DMV on a digital transformation project to improve their existing digital system, which is used daily by hundreds of technicians, and enhance transaction processing.We collaborated with the DMV team to identify six crucial pilots for design and testing, aimed at gathering feedback from DMV technicians to refine and finalize the new design before the development phase. Within this context, I was tasked with designing and iterating two specific pilots within a two-week timeframe for each.
My Role
UX Designer
Tools
Figma
Duration
4 weeks
Key Challenges and Solutions
CHALLENGES
SOLUTIONS
Lack of Research Phase
The design team overlooked the research phase because of our tight work schedule, which has left us uncertain about our starting point and design direction. We can't simply take orders and create visually appealing pages; we need to grasp the "why" and "what" behind our designs, especially given the limited time we have.
Quick Onboarding
I immersed myself in past research documents and proactively sought answers to grasp the design choices made in the earlier phase. I was not afraid of asking questions, smart or dumb, which allowed me to onboard swiftly and dive straight into the work, gaining insight into the pilots' perspectives.
Fast Pace
Our team carried out two rounds of in-person interviews with DMV technicians, frequently traveling across various counties and cities each day to conduct live interviews and validate our updated designs.
Time Management
Effective time and project management are essential for designers, especially when schedules are tight. I've developed strategies to share the workload within my team, allowing us to concentrate on the most critical tasks.
Engaging the Client
Engaging the client team, which was primarily made up of executives lacking design experience, posed a significant challenge. We focused on finding ways to involve them in the design process and leverage their unique insights.
Client Education
During user testing, I involved the client team in sketching designs with us. I created initial sketches from user interviews and sought their feedback. As we moved forward, the client team contributed their own ideas, sparking productive discussions. This collaborative method improved our design communication and made the co-design process more engaging.
Final Prototypes
For more detailed design process, please reach out to mozhou350@gmail.com
© 2026 Mo Zhou
Project Intro
CA DMV Digital Transformation
Starting in June 2023, the McKinsey team began working with the California DMV on a digital transformation project to improve their existing digital system, which is used daily by hundreds of technicians, and enhance transaction processing.We collaborated with the DMV team to identify six crucial pilots for design and testing, aimed at gathering feedback from DMV technicians to refine and finalize the new design before the development phase. Within this context, I was tasked with designing and iterating two specific pilots within a two-week timeframe for each.
My Role
UX Designer
Tools
Figma
Duration
4 weeks
Key Challenges and Solutions
CHALLENGES
SOLUTIONS
Lack of Research Phase
The design team overlooked the research phase because of our tight work schedule, which has left us uncertain about our starting point and design direction. We can't simply take orders and create visually appealing pages; we need to grasp the "why" and "what" behind our designs, especially given the limited time we have.
Quick Onboarding
I immersed myself in past research documents and proactively sought answers to grasp the design choices made in the earlier phase. I was not afraid of asking questions, smart or dumb, which allowed me to onboard swiftly and dive straight into the work, gaining insight into the pilots' perspectives.
Fast Pace
Our team carried out two rounds of in-person interviews with DMV technicians, frequently traveling across various counties and cities each day to conduct live interviews and validate our updated designs.
Time Management
Effective time and project management are essential for designers, especially when schedules are tight. I've developed strategies to share the workload within my team, allowing us to concentrate on the most critical tasks.
Engaging the Client
Engaging the client team, which was primarily made up of executives lacking design experience, posed a significant challenge. We focused on finding ways to involve them in the design process and leverage their unique insights.
Client Education
During user testing, I involved the client team in sketching designs with us. I created initial sketches from user interviews and sought their feedback. As we moved forward, the client team contributed their own ideas, sparking productive discussions. This collaborative method improved our design communication and made the co-design process more engaging.
Final Prototypes
For more detailed design process, please reach out to mozhou350@gmail.com
© 2026 Mo Zhou