ENRICHING THE CAMPUS EXPERIENCE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
In December 2019 Walmart announced the journey to build a new home office campus based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Key stakeholders approached my team with the request of reimagining an experience that would improve how associates connect, engage and collaborate while on campus.
TEAM
Mixed Level Product Designers
Researcher
Product Owner
Engineering Team
role
Product Direction
Cross-Team Alignment
Leadership Reviews
Planning & Execution Tracking
THE OPPORTUNITY
In today’s fast-paced work environments, the efficiency of operations and seamless communication are essential for maintaining high productivity and employee engagement. However, Walmart’s campus technology solutions were often disjointed, lacking intuitive design and robust integration across key platforms. Research conducted with over 20,000 employees showed that 58% experienced frustration with disparate tools for workplace communication, scheduling, and resource management, leading to decreased workflow efficiency and employee satisfaction.
"Navigating between different apps just to schedule a meeting or find resources takes more time than the actual tasks I'm working on. A single, unified app would be a game-changer for our productivity."
– Alex , Project Manager
analyzing
the gaps
Navigation Challenges Reduce Efficiency:
63% of employees reported that navigating the corporate campus—both physically and virtually—was more time-consuming than it needed to be. Confusing layouts, poorly labeled facilities, and a lack of wayfinding tools contributed to delays and frustration.
Fragmented Systems are the Norm:
78% of employees reported that they frequently switch between multiple tools to complete everyday tasks, leading to inefficiencies and workflow disruptions. This fragmentation increases the mental load and hampers the seamless collaboration necessary for high-performing teams.
Building a Solution That Empowers Employees
Ultimately, our team’s goal was to create a product that empowers employees by simplifying their day-to-day experiences. We focus on a holistic approach that bridges the physical and digital, creating a seamless environment where users can transition effortlessly between tasks, meetings, and collaborative moments.
THE approach
In response to our comprehensive research, we uncovered key areas of improvement that could significantly enhance productivity and satisfaction. The first step in our approach was to prioritize the biggest deficiencies and collaborate with cross-functional leaders to develop and implement the right solutions. This included developing partnerships with campus support, enablement and facilities planning to ensure our team was building a viable product. One of the most critical areas identified was the challenge employees face with campus navigation—both physical and digital. Employees need to be able to move seamlessly within campus, whether they’re finding their way to a meeting room, locating essential facilities, or accessing digital resources. Improving wayfinding isn't just about physical signage; it’s about creating a comprehensive system that merges digital tools with real-time data to offer intuitive, accessible navigation support.
identifying experience enablers
Our team focused on identifying key experience enablers—features that would drive us toward our north star vision of a truly connected campus. We pinpointed essential components that could bridge the existing gaps in employee experience. These enablers included intuitive wayfinding for seamless navigation, efficient desk hoteling solutions to support flexible work arrangements, and robust mobile technology to ensure on-the-go access to critical resources. By incorporating these elements into our MVP, we set the foundation for an interconnected ecosystem that fosters productivity, collaboration, and an enhanced work environment.
Instant Access to see the details
The amenities search feature empowers employees by providing quick access to essential campus services and facilities. From finding the nearest café or gym to locating wellness rooms and tech support stations, this tool saves time and reduces stress. By simplifying how employees locate and utilize campus resources, we enhance their overall workplace satisfaction and productivity.
Seamless Scheduling at Your Fingertips
With mobile room reserve, booking a meeting space becomes effortless, whether you're planning on-the-fly collaborations or securing a room for an important client presentation. This feature enables employees to reserve rooms in real-time from any device, cutting down on scheduling conflicts and increasing team efficiency. The convenience of mobile booking supports the dynamic needs of a modern, flexible workforce.
Never Lose Your Way Again
Campus navigation provides employees with real-time, turn-by-turn directions that make getting around the workplace easy and intuitive. This feature helps employees find meeting rooms, amenities, and colleagues without frustration, supporting punctuality and productivity. By removing the stress of navigating large or complex campuses, we create a more connected and harmonious work environment where employees can focus on what matters most.
THE outcomes
The results of our work speak volumes about the value of creating a connected campus experience. Through the launch of key features such as amenities search, mobile room reserve, and campus navigation, we achieved a remarkable 70% adoption rate for the MVP pilot and 97 NPS score. This strong engagement led to a 93% reduction in time spent navigating and booking campus resources, translating into substantial gains in productivity and employee satisfaction.
With these efficiencies, Walmart is estimated to have saved significant costs—projected at $1.2 million annually—by streamlining workflows and minimizing lost time.