ESP CALCULATOR

Endpoint Sensitive Protection Calculator

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Optum Enterprise Security needed enhanced data security practices, as a way to inform employees about proper storage and deletion procedures for sensitive documentation across the organization. Initially allocating resources for a print and email campaign, we sought a more sophisticated, effective and foolproof digital solution. A proactive approach to eliminate uncertainties and ambiguities in document management.

MY ROLE

Develop a robust digital tool that would serve as a reliable guide for employees, providing clear and specific instructions on how to handle various types of sensitive documents. Also, to create a user-friendly solution with zero ambiguity, ensuring that employees could confidently manage their data in compliance with security protocols.

CHALLENGES

Communicating precise instructions to employees regarding the handling of sensitive documentation is complicated, and so, a conventional print and email campaign was not sufficient for ensuring the clarity and necessary adherence to secure data practices. Employees needed to be educated and guided on how to store and delete sensitive information without room for ambiguity.

MY PROCESS

Designing the Endpoint Sensitive Protection (ESP) Calculator required transforming abstract compliance rules into a clear, foolproof, and scalable digital experience. Our goal was to eliminate ambiguity in how employees handled sensitive documents—through a tool that guided behavior, not just informed it.

1. Understand the Problem

UX Methods Used:

  • Stakeholder Interviews

  • Compliance Content Analysis

  • User Behavior Review

We met with Enterprise Security leads to understand common risks, and reviewed internal documentation on secure data practices. We also consulted support team logs to learn where employees most frequently misunderstood or mishandled data classification and storage.

Key takeaway: Email and print campaigns weren’t closing the knowledge gap—employees needed real-time, contextual guidance.

2. Define & Align

UX Methods Used:

  • User Scenarios

  • Decision Tree Mapping

  • Requirements Gathering

We outlined key user scenarios and built logic trees for every sensitive document type and storage rule. This clarified exactly what information users needed at each step. Working closely with compliance SMEs, we translated legal policy into plain-language, decision-ready guidance.

This ensured our tool would align with internal protocols while speaking the user’s language.

3. Ideate & Explore

UX Methods Used:

  • UX Flows

  • Sketching

  • Input-Response Logic Modeling

We mapped out a simple calculator experience: ask the user to identify their document type, then deliver precise instructions for handling it. We sketched versions that supported dropdowns, keyword searches, and logic-triggered outputs. We prioritized speed, clarity, and confidence over aesthetic complexity.

The key was reducing the friction between “I’m unsure” and “Now I know exactly what to do.”

4. Prototype for Clarity & Confidence

UX Methods Used:

  • Wireframing

  • High-Fidelity Prototyping

  • Copywriting for Microinteractions

We built a responsive calculator interface in high fidelity, using plain, reassuring language and a visual structure that could support both quick lookups and deep dives. Microcopy was especially important—we stripped away jargon and created consistent, low-stress interactions to help users feel in control.

The design ensured anyone—from entry-level staff to senior analysts—could use it without training.

5. Test & Iterate

UX Methods Used:

  • Internal Pilot Testing

  • Content Validation

  • Developer QA Collaboration

We launched a controlled pilot on the internal network and gathered feedback from frequent users. We also collaborated closely with our developer to ensure the logic worked as intended and content updates could be made efficiently. Adjustments included simplifying category names and clarifying edge cases in the guidance output.

6. Measure Impact

UX Methods Used:

  • Feedback Collection

  • Usage Analytics

  • Compliance Team Review

Post-launch, the ESP Calculator was featured on the internal homepage. It received highly positive feedback for its clarity and ease of use. Security leads reported fewer data handling errors, and support tickets related to document storage declined. What began as a print campaign transformed into a dynamic, cost-effective compliance tool.

SOLUTIONS

1. DOCUMENT TYPE IDENTIFICATION
The user would be required to input which type of document they were dealing with, guaranteeing clear guidance for that specific data.

2. CLEAR STORAGE AND DELETION INSTRUCTIONS
The user would then be provided with specific tailored instructions on how to store or delete their exact document, leaving no room for interpretation.

3. USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE
A digital calculator app was designed with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to employees of all skill levels with no need for extensive training.

4. DEVELOPMENT COLLABORATION
Enterprise Security collaborated closely with a developer to help articulate the UX vision and requirements, ensuring the application met the organization's unique needs.

OUTCOMES

1. ENHANCED CLARITY
Employees now had a straightforward, reliable tool for understanding how to handle sensitive documents, reducing the risk of unintentional data mishandling.

2. INCREASED COMPLIANCE
The application helped enormously to contribute to improved compliance with data security policies, as employees had a readily accessible resource for guidance.

3. COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
Despite the initial print and email campaign, our digital calculator app proved to be a cost- effective alternative that offered a more dynamic and sustainable solution.

4. POSITIVE USER FEEDBACK
With the calculator widget accessible from the homepage of the internal network, employees offered positive feedback on the user-friendly nature of the application, emphasizing its ease of use in their every day data management practices.