Aaron Moreno

An introduction…

Silo is a cloud based browser for safe and secure access to the data that matters the most.

Users are interacting with a remote display of an isolated browser session running in the cloud. No web code ever gets downloaded to a users machine.
The ability to upload, download, print and other standard web browser functions are available.

Since its’ inception, the cloud browser was accessible from a native desktop app for Windows, Linux and Mac and appearing as an isolated browser in an application window.

Over time, the browser became available via the web by logging in through a web based portal. As well as on iOS devices through the Silo app available on the Apple App store.

Today, Silo has evolved to include cloud storage available in the browser as well as an array of research and investigative tools. The next generation of Silo will include a full suite of research tools available through a newly designed interface. Multiple browser sessions can be instantiated from the Command Center interface. Additionally, users can conduct research by 
manipulating the browser fingerprint and browsing location. For example, a user in San Francisco using a Windows machine can run a
browser session in South America appearing as an Android device. Or appear as an iPad accessing the internet in Paris.

Many types of investigative techniques require blending in with normal internet traffic. The most demanding customers often request a full suite of tools available in one unified interface.

Thus, the effort to build the next generation of tools has begun.

Project Summary

Role: Lead UI Designer, contributing UX

Research: Known user pain-point with current approach. Multiple customers requesting an all-in-one solution. Most customer environments consist of a multi-vendor configuration to work with
and manage their investigations.

Problem: In a secure and managed browsing environment, many users use the web browser as an investigative tool. With the ability to spin up a browser instance running in the cloud that is accessing the internet from various locations pre-configured with a unique fingerprint, users need to have at-a-glance telemetry data to ensure activities are conducted in the correct geography and browser instance. Additionally, the collection of content
gathered and working with it is critical.

Approach: Present a single unified tool that allows users to quickly spin up remote browser sessions to conduct research sessions. More often than not, they are accessing sensitive data that requires maintaining anonymity and preserve system integrity.

Solution: Provide a web based tool to access, create and manage research and investigation on the web.

Outcome: A simple and intuitive extensible platform that gives users an array of tools now while providing future capabilities as the platform matures.

Understanding technical challenges

Every customers’ environment varies greatly. However, the common theme that the systems in use include multiple vendors, are complex and require a lot of oversight and maintenance.

Understanding our users

Unfortunately, many of our customers use of our product is unknown or greatly restricted for individuals on a need to know basis and/or with the proper clearances. However, through direct and indirect requests and some general guidance from key stakeholders, we can develop a pretty solid baseline to get a sense of “Who / What / Where / Why”.

The Design

Current design approach is to focus on the next generation of the product from a users perspective. Moving away from how users access the current suite of tools, by launching a new browser session, and accessing the tools and data they need.

Instead, focus on a unified approach to how the user can more quickly pivot from tool to tool to streamline and improve the time it takes to perform tasks and assignments.

Additionally, work closely with the marketing team which owns the brand and set out and re-define the entire design system in use for the product.