Saarni HRX: Transforming HR Management Through Strategic UX Design

We had successfully built individual HR tools through organic development and strategic acquisitions, including Priima (recruitment), Saarni Nepton (personnel administration), HRX (core HR management), and Saarni EXP (employee satisfaction measurement). However, each application operated independently with different user interfaces, navigation patterns, and design languages. This fragmentation created significant user friction - our customers' employees had to learn multiple systems, and the inconsistent experience made our platform feel disconnected rather than unified. As we targeted mid-level organizations (250-500 employees) and prepared for international expansion, we urgently needed to transform our separate tools into a cohesive HCM suite that could compete with established players like SAP SuccessFactors and Workday.

Our design strategy focused on creating a unified user experience framework that could accommodate Saarni HRX's diverse product portfolio while maintaining the flexibility needed for future growth. We began with comprehensive concept development, mapping the user journeys across all HR processes and identifying common interaction patterns. Rather than redesigning individual applications in isolation, we developed a component-based UI architecture that could be shared across all tools. This microservices approach to UI design allows for consistent user experience while enabling rapid customization for different client needs. We prioritized strategic alignment with business objectives, ensuring the design system could support both current functionality and future expansion plans.

The implementation focused on creating a unified design system that could be applied across all Saarni HRX applications. We developed a comprehensive UI concept that establishes consistent navigation patterns, visual design elements, and interaction behaviors. The component-based architecture allows UI elements to be shared across applications while maintaining flexibility for customization. This approach enables rapid development of client-specific interfaces while ensuring consistency across the platform. This innovative approach allows for unprecedented flexibility in creating client-specific user experiences while maintaining design consistency.

While the full business impact will be realized when the new UI launches in approximately 1.5 years, the strategic foundation we've established is already providing significant value. The unified design concept has helped align internal stakeholders around a clear vision for the platform's future. The component-based architecture positions Saarni HRX for rapid development and customization, enabling them to respond quickly to market demands and client needs. The strategic design work has also improved internal communication - instead of using hand-drawn slides, the team can now present professional UI designs that clearly communicate the platform's direction and capabilities.

Our work encompasses the complete transformation of Saarni HRX's user experience strategy. We've developed a unified UI concept that will guide the redesign of all applications in their portfolio. The component-based architecture we've designed will enable rapid development of new features and client-specific customizations. We're also implementing a microservices approach to UI components, allowing for unprecedented flexibility in creating tailored user experiences. The project includes comprehensive navigation strategy, visual design system, and interaction patterns that will be applied across all HR applications. This foundation will support Saarni HRX's growth from individual tools to a comprehensive HCM suite competing with established enterprise solutions.

Saarni HRX's transformation demonstrates how strategic UX design can enable business model evolution. The shift from individual tools to unified platform requires more than just visual improvements - it demands a fundamental rethinking of how users interact with complex business systems. The component-based approach we've developed provides both consistency and flexibility, addressing the competing needs of standardization and customization. This project also highlights the importance of strong concept development before implementation - by investing in strategic design work, Saarni HRX has created a solid foundation for their platform evolution. The unified design system will not only improve user experience but also accelerate development and reduce maintenance costs across their entire product portfolio.