BDO AI Innovation
Key member of BDO's AI Innovation team, leading UI/UX design for purpose-built AI tools that enhance human capabilities and minimize error across the organization.
AI Innovation Team Experience
As a key member of BDO's AI Innovation team, I led the UI/UX design strategy for the firm's initial implementation of AI tools across the organization. My role combined design leadership with technical analytics, research, and user input gathering to create purpose-built solutions that enhance human capabilities while minimizing error.
Design Challenge
Create AI-powered tools that seamlessly integrate with existing enterprise systems while maintaining security, compliance, and user adoption across a Fortune 500 organization with over 12,000 professionals.
My Contribution
I focused on the designer aspects of AI implementation while collaborating closely on technical analytics, organizational research, and user input collection. This involved designing intuitive interfaces for complex AI systems, establishing design patterns for enterprise AI tools, and ensuring seamless user adoption across diverse business practices.
External Resource
Learn more about BDO's AI innovation approach in their official article: AI Innovation at BDO
Purpose-Driven Tools & Resources
BDO believes that AI must be purpose-built to augment the day-to-day needs of the people using it. The integration of these tools with existing systems is a priority to ensure seamless adoption and maximize outcomes.
Chat BDO
Internal, secure, generative AI platform customized for BDO-specific processes to help improve productivity. Serving over 12,000 total users, this proprietary tool developed using Microsoft's Azure AI has saved BDO professionals more than 600,000 hours since its deployment in August 2023. Metrics and KPIs are in place to measure ongoing productivity improvements.
Consultative Selling Account Insights
Recently released tool that uses multiple AI agents to analyze vast amounts of web-accessible data, helping BDO professionals identify opportunities and make more informed recommendations when advising clients and prospects. Manual data analysis that typically took hours is now available for employee insight in minutes, enabling professionals to focus on recommendations and delivering additional value in client relationships.
Risk Assessment Coach
To help improve the quality of risk assessment in audits, BDO is evaluating its approach to an AI risk assessment coach. This tool observes documentation and provides actionable feedback rooted in firm guidance and regulatory standards, ensuring compliance while enhancing the quality of risk assessments across the organization.
People-Centered Approach
AI - like innovation more broadly - is most successful when it is championed by the entire firm. BDO has invested in learning and development opportunities and robust communications programs to empower professionals to understand, engage and adopt AI responsibly.
AI Ambassadors
Professionals across practices champion BDO's AI solutions and initiatives. Through hands-on workshops and education, they engage with their peers to encourage AI adoption while supporting change management and partnering with BDO's AI team to develop business-specific use cases and tools. Feedback mechanisms are in place to continuously improve AI tools and training based on user experience.
AI Literacy
Grounded in the firm's culture of innovation, BDO's AI upskilling program teaches professionals how to use specific tools as well as AI best practices, trends, and ethical considerations. The training includes customizable AI workshops for beginners and advanced users, ensuring comprehensive understanding across all levels of the organization.
Design & Research Process
Organizational Research & User Input
Conducted comprehensive research across BDO's diverse business practices to understand existing workflows, pain points, and opportunities for AI enhancement. Gathered user input from over 12,000 professionals to inform design decisions and ensure tools meet real-world needs.
Technical Analytics & System Integration
Collaborated on technical analytics to understand existing enterprise systems and integration requirements. Analyzed user behavior patterns and system performance to inform design decisions that would ensure seamless adoption and maximize productivity outcomes.
Design Systems & Interface Creation
Developed comprehensive design systems for AI tools that maintain consistency across the enterprise while allowing for customization based on specific business practice needs. Created intuitive interfaces that make complex AI capabilities accessible to users of all technical backgrounds.
Change Management & Adoption Strategy
Partnered with AI Ambassadors and training teams to ensure successful tool adoption across the organization. Implemented feedback mechanisms and continuous improvement processes to refine designs based on real-world usage and user experience data.
Results & Organizational Impact
Hours Saved
Chat BDO alone has saved BDO professionals more than 600,000 hours since deployment
Users Served
Successfully deployed AI tools across the entire organization serving over 12,000 professionals
Enterprise Integration
Seamless integration with existing systems ensuring maximum adoption and minimal workflow disruption
Analysis Time Reduction
Data analysis that previously took hours is now available for insight in minutes through AI automation
