YALE MILLER
Joint Price & Promotion GenAI Explainer
Overview
As a data analytics company, 84.51° profits off the development of API's. However there's a problem. API Developers at the company each have their process to build an API which results in a lack of standards which in turn results in a subpar product. Polaris is an API creator tool designed to make it easier for developers and non-developers alike to build API's. The Polaris API Designer is just one part of the tool that let's developers mock up and share API designs before they have to write a single line of code.
Type
UX/UI Design
Team Credit
Sam Allison
Pierce Gohlke
Jared Price
Date
Fall 2025
You have been managing Kroger's cereal promotion strategy for over 15 years. You have your own methods, your own team, and at the end of the day's it's your neck on the line.
Now some new software tool wants to tell you how to do your job. Would you listen?
I'm managing a billion dollar business in excel. It's about time we had something more modern*
*Real Quotes from User Research
The Black Box
IMPACT
WHY
WHAT
Can we use GenAI to turn the black box transparent?
Every month data optimization science makes Kroger millions of dollars. It's not going anywhere, but is there a way that we can make the process more transparent?
Traditionally, the data science is a black box. Inputs go in, recommendations come out. However, by using GenAI and AI agents three key metrics can be surfaced to the user.
- WHAT changes the optimization is suggesting
- WHY it wants to make those changes
- IMPACT of those changes
Insight 1
5 of 6 Users showed excitement of neutrality towards using an AI tool
Insight 2
6 of 6 user preferred prototypes that show pre-generated response without needing to be prompted
Insight 3
3 of 6 users asked for the ability to compare optimized plans to plans from last year
Insight 4
5 of 6 preferred highly details response that directly cited metrics
Usability Testing
Research Question
Are Users of the Polaris API Designer able to discover and use all the features that the platform provides?
Research Methods
At the beginning of the engagement, participants will be told that after they have time to explore the prototype the researcher will be asking them to explain what the Polaris API Designer does to help a user build better API’s faster. They will have as time as they would like to explore the prototype. The research will have their camera but will be watching and can answer questions. Afterwards the participant will be asked “Explain to me what the Polaris API Designer is Capable of.” Their responses will be graded based on the rubric.
Value Testing
Research Question
Are the features of the Polaris API Designer the features that our Developers need to create better API’s faster?
Research Methods
After the usability testing, the participant will be asked if they would be willing to join the beta program for early access. In exchange, we’d ask them to participate in further opportunities to give feedback.Finally, participants will be asked if they could give me the names of three people that the research could send additional meeting invites out.
