Day 13: Coming Back to Work after a Long Weekend

 🗓️ Date: 22 Oct 2025

📌 Title: Coming Back to Work after a Long Weekend

Task Description

I was responsible for creating the web interfaces for the iFAST Pay Back Office system, which includes modules such as Administration, Treasury, Account, Product, and Transaction. The goal was to design interfaces that align with the existing iFAST Back Office layout and functionality, while applying iFAST Pay’s unique visual identity, featuring a pink-purple gradient theme.

A component library had already been developed by my supervisor, which provided predefined UI elements and design guidelines. I utilized this library to maintain consistency and efficiency across all screens. Additionally, I worked on minor UI enhancements for the Fixed Deposit and Notice Deposit modules to improve clarity and overall user experience.

Challenges & Solutions

One of the main challenges I faced was understanding the overall structure and workflow of the existing Back Office system. Since the new interface needed to mirror its functionality while adopting a fresh design, I took time to explore the current system and analyze each module in detail. This helped me design layouts that were both familiar and easy to navigate for users. 

 Another challenge was ensuring consistent use of components from the shared design library. At first, it was necessary to familiarize myself with the available components, their functions, and naming conventions. Once I gained a better understanding, I was able to apply them consistently across different modules, which maintained design uniformity and improved development efficiency.

Key Learnings & Skills Gained

Through this task, I learned that iFAST places strong emphasis on continuous improvement, not only in enhancing the user interface for clients, but also in optimizing the back office systems used by internal staff. The development of the iFAST Pay Back Office interface demonstrated how much effort goes into creating tools that improve efficiency, usability, and overall user experience for employees who manage daily operations. 

I also realized that achieving such improvements requires constant collaboration and communication within the team. There were many meetings, discussions, and follow-ups throughout the design process to ensure that every decision aligned with the company’s business goals and functional requirements. These interactions helped me understand the importance of balancing user needs, technical constraints, and business objectives in real-world projects.

Reflection & Next Steps

Reflecting on this task, I gained a deeper appreciation for how design and functionality work hand in hand in a corporate environment like iFAST. I learned that improving internal systems, such as the Back Office, is just as crucial as designing client-facing platforms, both directly impact the company’s efficiency and overall user satisfaction. Working on the iFAST Pay Back Office interface allowed me to see how design decisions are guided not only by aesthetics but also by usability, business goals, and team collaboration.

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