Max Kratz.

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Max Kratz.

Max Kratz.

Optimizing LMS Development

Leveraging Synergies for Efficiency & Growth

Role

Product Lead (Design & Strategy)

Time

Full-time

Company

StackFuel GmbH

Team

Single Contributer

Faced with the challenge of overhauling an outdated in-house Learning Management System (LMS) while simultaneously designing a brand-new LMS for a government client’s public data education platform, we identified a unique opportunity: rather than building two entirely separate systems, we could maximize synergies between them.

Through user story mapping, competitive research, and parallel product management, I optimized scope overlap, reducing design, implementation, and maintenance efforts by approximately 50%. This approach streamlined development while ensuring each system met its distinct user and business needs.

Problem Statement: Addressing Two Challenges in One Strategy

1. Internal LMS Overhaul

Our in-house LMS was outdated, difficult to update, and limiting our scalability. A redesign was necessary to improve content presentation, usability, and maintainability.

2. Government LMS Development

We won a government tender to design an LMS for a public data education platform, which required a separate product with unique features. This system needed to serve not just learners but also scientists, companies, and institutions working with public data.

Key Consideration: How to Optimize Development?

Rather than treating these as isolated projects, I proposed a synergy-driven approach to:

  • Identify shared components between the two platforms.

  • Develop a scalable design system that could be adapted for both products.

  • Reduce redundant efforts by prioritizing cross-platform efficiencies.

Problem Statement: Addressing Two Challenges in One Strategy

1. Internal LMS Overhaul

Our in-house LMS was outdated, difficult to update, and limiting our scalability. A redesign was necessary to improve content presentation, usability, and maintainability.

2. Government LMS Development

We won a government tender to design an LMS for a public data education platform, which required a separate product with unique features. This system needed to serve not just learners but also scientists, companies, and institutions working with public data.

Key Consideration: How to Optimize Development?

Rather than treating these as isolated projects, I proposed a synergy-driven approach to:

  • Identify shared components between the two platforms.

  • Develop a scalable design system that could be adapted for both products.

  • Reduce redundant efforts by prioritizing cross-platform efficiencies.

Research & Strategy: Data-Driven Decision Making

User & Market Research

To differentiate the government LMS and ensure it met stakeholder needs, I conducted:

  • User Persona Development: Beyond learners, the platform had to accommodate scientists, corporations, and institutions for interactive data engagement.

  • User Flow Mapping: I mapped out how user interactions on the government platform differed from our in-house system, clarifying where their requirements diverged.

  • Competitive Analysis: To stand out in the market, I identified two key differentiators:

    1. A tech-oriented visual language to match industry expectations.

    2. An inviting UI and color palette to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.

User Story Mapping & Scope Prioritization

To efficiently manage parallel development, I:
✅ Mapped user stories across both platforms, color-coding shared vs. distinct features.
✅ Prioritized design and development efforts for maximum reuse.
✅ Created a visual roadmap in Figma, synced with Asana and Jira for alignment with developers.

This strategic mapping enabled clear prioritization, reducing design and engineering debt while ensuring each system met its unique requirements.

Design Execution & Implementation

1. UX/UI Strategy & Visual Direction

For the government LMS, I established the visual direction, presenting a preliminary branding concept that shaped the final product. The design approach balanced:

  • A professional, tech-driven aesthetic for credibility.

  • A welcoming, accessible interface to encourage broader public engagement.

2. Component-Based Design System

For efficiency and maintainability, I leveraged Tailwind UI components, integrating them into:

  • Our internal LMS, improving content presentation and branding.

  • The government LMS, ensuring modular scalability and consistency.

I outlined necessary component adaptations and initiated a design system combining Tailwind UI elements with custom branding, ensuring a scalable, reusable framework across both platforms.

3. Prototyping & Development Collaboration

  • Iterative Prototyping & Handoff: Delivered phased iterations in close collaboration with developers.

  • Bug Fixing & Implementation Support: Engaged in recurring testing sessions to refine and optimize both systems.

Results & Impact

🚀 50% reduction in design, implementation, and maintenance efforts by leveraging cross-platform synergies.
📈 Improved scalability & maintainability through a shared design system.
🎨 Successful UI direction & branding initiatives for the government LMS, elements of which remain in use today.
🔧 Optimized development efficiency through strategic user story mapping and Asana/Jira integration.

Results & Impact

🚀 50% reduction in design, implementation, and maintenance efforts by leveraging cross-platform synergies.
📈 Improved scalability & maintainability through a shared design system.
🎨 Successful UI direction & branding initiatives for the government LMS, elements of which remain in use today.
🔧 Optimized development efficiency through strategic user story mapping and Asana/Jira integration.

Contact Me

Contact Me

Contact Me