myCloud
myCloud is Swisscom's storage solution, designed for secure and private file storage with over 100,000 monthly active users. I was responsible for redesigning the mobile experience, transitioning the app from a web-based platform to native iOS and Android apps, ensuring feature parity, and improving the overall user experience.
At myCloud, my role as a product designer spanned two main phases: transforming the platform from a web app into native iOS and Android applications and later focusing on enhancing user acquisition and retention. I collaborated closely with cross-functional teams, including engineers and product managers, to ensure the design aligned with technical constraints and business goals. My responsibilities included leading the redesign of the mobile app experience, improving usability through platform-specific designs, and introducing new features to increase engagement and user satisfaction.
The Problem
When I joined myCloud in 2017, the platform was still a web app and needed to evolve into a native iOS and Android application to improve the user experience. Our challenge was twofold: first, rebuilding the app while maintaining feature parity with the web app and adhering to platform-specific guidelines. Second, after the native app launch, our focus shifted to increasing user acquisition and retention by identifying and implementing high-value features such as album sharing and location-based photo search.
The Process
Transition to Native Apps
To address the challenge of transitioning myCloud from a web app to a native app, I began by deeply researching both Android and iOS design guidelines to ensure the final product felt familiar and intuitive for users of each platform. Collaboration was key. I worked closely with engineers and product owners to ensure technical feasibility while facilitating workshops with the Head of Design to identify pain points and optimize our workflow. We conducted usability tests and used persona-based insights to shape the user experience, aligning the design with user needs and platform guidelines.
Enhancing the User Experience
Once the app was launched, our next goal was to increase user engagement by adding valuable features. We conducted design sprints with cross-functional teams to brainstorm and prioritize ideas. Location-based photo search and improved album-sharing functionality emerged as key focus areas. Mapping out the complexity of the album-sharing feature required me to work closely with developers to ensure all edge cases were covered while keeping the design user-friendly. To validate our designs, we ran user testing sessions in Zurich, gathering feedback to refine the product further.
The Solution
We successfully transitioned myCloud from a web app to fully native iOS and Android applications. By adhering to platform-specific guidelines, we ensured a more intuitive experience for users across both devices. The app's interface was redesigned to feel seamless and familiar, while reducing the need for custom components. We also created a map-based photo navigation system to make it easier for users to explore their photos by location, and improved the album-sharing process by simplifying it into a single menu. These changes not only enhanced usability but also laid the foundation for future feature iterations.
Outcome
Two months after the native app’s release, we saw strong user engagement. For instance:
20% of new users interacted with the album-sharing feature.
The app maintained high user ratings, with a 4.3-star on the Play Store and 4.5-star on the App Store.
The location-based photo search feature significantly enhanced the discovery experience, further driving retention.
Learnings
Working on myCloud was a pivotal experience, emphasizing the value of platform-specific design and user research. The collaboration between cross-functional teams helped me balance technical constraints with user needs. One key takeaway was the importance of continuous iteration based on real user feedback, such as adding features like name-tagging for album sharing to further enhance the user experience. This project reinforced my ability to adapt and deliver in fast-paced environments.
