Summary

Led end-to-end UX efforts to improve satellite emergency communication through a cross-partner collaboration with Samsung, Verizon, Google, Skylo and Garmin.

My Role

UX Lead (Samsung x Verizon)

Stakeholders

Samsung HQ:
- Samsung Device Technology (PM)
- Headquarters UX Designer
- Headquarter R&D
- Mobile Quality Lab
Verizon:
- Device & Product Marketing Manager
- Executive Experience Designer
- Principal UX Designer

Timeline

2024/6 ~ 2025/1 (Launched with S25)
2025/1 ~ Current (Future device)

Optimizing Satellite Communication in Samsung Devices with Google and Verizon

The Challenge

Users couldn’t understand or navigate satellite mode during emergencies.

My Role

Defined UX strategy, led user flows, redesigned emergency flow, collaborated across 4 teams.

Impact

Reduced emergency confusion points (↓ decision paralysis)
Created aligned flow across Samsung & Verizon
Scalable onboarding + interaction model

Before

Auto-switch to satellite leads to user confusion
No guidance on how to connect
Tooltip only after the message fails
No signal feedback

After

Manual switch gives user control
Pointing UI guides the connection
Proactive onboarding
Live signal feedback

User Journey

In the previous design, users were automatically switched to satellite mode with minimal guidance, leaving them confused about the connection status and unsure how to reach help.