Planning Poker for Azure was conceived as a tool to enhance agile estimation processes within the Azure DevOps environment. Given the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Azure DevOps, a comprehensive approach was needed to design and implement this app extension from scratch. This case study details the strategic steps taken to research, design, and launch Planning Poker for Azure, ultimately resulting in high user satisfaction and rapid adoption.

The primary objectives of the project were to:

1. Conduct thorough research on Azure DevOps to understand its usability and implementation, including identifying key app extension points and user journeys.
2. Engage with users in the new environment to map pain points through In-Depth Interviews (IDIs).
3. Create a new design system in Figma, based on Azure's Formula Design System.
4. Develop and introduce a new app to the Visual Studio Marketplace.
5. Conduct extensive usability and feasibility tests to meet the high expectations of technical users.

The project encountered several challenges:

1. New Environment: Understanding and integrating seamlessly within the Azure DevOps environment.
2. User Expectations: Meeting the needs of a highly technical user base with precise requirements.
3. Design Consistency: Creating a new design system that aligns with Azure’s established design principles.
4. Marketplace Introduction: Successfully launching a new app and gaining visibility in a competitive marketplace.

Usability and Implementation Research in Azure DevOps

1. Environment Analysis: Detailed study of Azure DevOps, focusing on usability aspects and identifying app extension points.
2. User Journeys: Mapping user journeys to understand how users navigate and interact within Azure DevOps.

User Engagement and Pain Point Mapping

1. In-Depth Interviews (IDIs): Conducted with users to gather detailed insights into their pain points and needs.
2. User Mapping: Categorized users based on their roles and specific challenges faced within Azure DevOps.

Design System Creation

1. Figma Design System: Developed a new design system in Figma, aligning with Azure’s Formula Design System to ensure consistency and familiarity.
2. New components: I have introduced new components to address functionalities.

App Development and Marketplace Introduction

1. App Development: Designed and developed Planning Poker for Azure from scratch, ensuring it integrated seamlessly with Azure DevOps.
2. Marketplace Listing: Created a compelling Visual Studio Marketplace listing to effectively communicate the app’s value proposition and features.

Usability and Feasibility Testing

1. Usability Tests: Conducted extensive usability tests to ensure the app met the high expectations of its technical user base.
2. Feasibility Tests: Ensured the app’s features were practical and functional within the Azure DevOps environment. Mapping edge cases and answering them was a must in app dedicated for technical user.

The project resulted in the successful launch and rapid adoption of Planning Poker for Azure:

1. High User Satisfaction: Achieved high Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and garnered excellent reviews (4.4 out of 5) on the Visual Studio Marketplace.
2. Rapid Adoption: Recorded over 3,390 installs within the first year, making it one of the fastest-growing app extensions for Azure DevOps.
3. Marketplace Success: Established Planning Poker for Azure as one of the top app extensions in the Visual Studio Marketplace, thanks to its usability and user-centric design without any marketing.

The development and launch of Planning Poker for Azure were marked by thorough research, user-centric design, and meticulous testing. Key takeaways include:

1. Environment Understanding: Deep understanding of the Azure DevOps environment is crucial for successful integration.
2. User Engagement: Engaging with users through IDIs and mapping their pain points ensures the app meets real needs.
3. Design Consistency: Aligning the design system with established frameworks like Azure’s Formula Design System ensures familiarity and ease of use.
4. Continuous Improvement: Ongoing usability and feasibility testing are essential to maintain high user satisfaction and functionality.

In conclusion, the successful launch and rapid growth of Planning Poker for Azure highlight the importance of detailed research, user engagement, and strategic design in developing high-quality app extensions for technical environments like Azure DevOps.