Redesigning Enterprise Procurement

Led the redesign of Coupa's strategic sourcing platform, improving usability and integrating acquired products into a cohesive system.

Problem
TradeExtensions had a powerful but outdated tool with poor usability, requiring expert knowledge and a long onboarding period. The challenge was to modernize the platform while preserving its complexity for experienced users.
Approach
Leading Trade Extensions’ in-house design team, I worked with Electrolux, IKEA, Volvo, Johnson & Johnson, and Kimberly-Clark. Through card sorting workshops, we mapped key system areas, then ran 40+ design sprints to redesign them—adding new features, refining workflows, and ensuring scalability with a structured design system.
Outcomes
The transformation made the platform accessible to a broader audience. New features lowered the barrier for entry, helping less experienced users get value faster. The structured design system enabled scalable improvements without compromising complexity. The impact was clear: shortly after, TradeExtensions was acquired by Coupa for $45 million, and I supported its integration.
Lessons Learned
Redesigning large systems works best in small, focused iterations—never in one massive overhaul. Improving usability not only enhances the experience for existing users but also opens doors to entirely new markets.
Components of the CSO design system, including icons, typography, and color palettes.
Conducted card sorting workshops together with Trade Extensions clients as a base for the new information architecture and navigation.
Components of the CSO design system, including icons, typography, and color palettes.
Collaboration was key in the project, here we're figuiring out parts of a story board in one of many design sprints.
Components of the CSO design system, including icons, typography, and color palettes.
Co-creating ideas together with the highly technical team at Trade Extensions.
Components of the CSO design system, including icons, typography, and color palettes.
An early version of the new search functionality, here in the new TradeExtension brand.
Comparison of old and new navigation systems in Coupa, showcasing improved hierarchy and usability.
Online usertest where the user is sharing their screen. Based on the scenario that the new version of TradeExtension was launched.
Comparison of old and new navigation systems in Coupa, showcasing improved hierarchy and usability.
After Coupa had acquired Trade Extensions their branding was incorporated in the newly released platform. Here we can see the redesigned navigation structure with simplifyed hierarchy to increase discoverability.
Components of the CSO design system, including icons, typography, and color palettes.
A few components from the design system that ensure scalability and consistency across the platform.