Overview

IBM’s global offices use a combination of physical and digital badging systems to manage secure employee access. This project focused on modernizing and streamlining the badging experience across multiple device types and building environments, improving usability, flexibility, and security.

Challenges Identified

• Inconsistent authentication methods across buildings, causing confusion and inefficiencies.

• Need for a unified system that works for both physical and digital credentials.

• High security standards and compliance requirements that must be maintained.

• The digital experience needed to integrate seamlessly with IBM’s existing mobile ecosystem.

• Ensuring clarity and usability for employees of diverse roles and technical comfort levels.

Approach

We analyzed existing badge workflows, both physical and digital, to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement. Research included:

• Observing employee interactions with physical badges and access systems.

• Evaluating the existing digital badge experience via the IBM w3 mobile app.

• Collaborating with IBM Security to ensure all designs met strict access and compliance protocols.

• Iteratively designing wireframes and prototypes to test usability, clarity, and accessibility for both physical and digital workflows.

Solution

I designed a unified badging experience that clearly communicates credential status and supports both physical and digital access, aligned with IBM’s visual and security standards:

• Physical badges: Enhanced usability, material durability, visual hierarchy, and clarity around security permissions.

• Digital badges: Integrated with the w3 mobile app to deliver fast, secure, mobile-first interactions, including responsive states, clear access indicators, and intuitive entry flows.

Outcome

The redesigned badging experience improved employee efficiency and satisfaction by providing a consistent, secure, and user-friendly system. Digital badges offered real-time updates, remote access management, and enhanced tracking, while physical badges remained reliable for daily operations. The solution supported a seamless transition between physical and digital authentication, increasing overall flexibility and adherence to security protocols.

My Role

Creative Direction

User Experience Design

Visual Identity

Functionality Design

Material Selection

Security Feature Integration (in collaboration with IBM Security)

Prototyping