Restricted Networks
Confidential Area Access Control for Charter Communications
Overview
The Restricted Network feature was developed for Charter Communication’s field operations team to control access to sensitive locations (e.g., government buildings, military bases) within their cable mapping software, Magellan. This feature allows only authorized Magellan users to view and manage cable equipment in restricted areas, ensuring confidentiality.
The objective was to create functionality within Magellan to hide restricted areas and associated cable data from unauthorized users. This required a seamless toggle feature that would limit access based on user permissions, allowing only authorized personnel to view restricted networks on the map.
Objectives
To define requirements, I conducted stakeholder interviews to identify business needs, constraints, and compliance requirements. Speaking with field techs provided insight into the challenges they faced when working near restricted areas and shaping feature specifications.
Key Research Goals
Understand limitations around restricted data access.
Define business requirements for confidentiality.
Identify necessary user permissions and constraints.
Insights from Stakeholders
Challenge
Enable a "restricted view" toggle for authorized users.
Conceal restricted networks and equipment from unauthorized users.
Clearly indicate restricted areas on the map for authorized users.
Research
The feature needed to fully obscure restricted equipment and information from unauthorized users, who should remain unaware of these areas' existence. Authorized users required a toggle to activate and deactivate the restricted view, providing flexibility while maintaining security. Key decisions included:
A toggle/icon to control restricted view visibility.
Complete concealment for users without restricted access permissions.
A new utility feature within Magellan to manage restricted access.
Design and Prototype
To meet functional requirements, I designed a restricted network utility within Magellan, incorporating:
Multi-Select — for managing multiple equipment items.
Lasso Selection — for flexible, area-based selections.
Boundary Selection — for defined area management.
These tools were paired with distinct icons and on-screen signifiers to notify authorized users of restricted zones without obstructing general workflow. Wireframes and mockups helped refine these elements within Magellan’s interface.
Testing & iteration
The feature underwent multiple rounds of testing, focusing on icon clarity and usability across the selection modes. Iterative feedback led to adjustments in layout and icon placement, ensuring that both authorized and unauthorized views were intuitive and secure. Final designs were completed within the project’s timeline and handed off to development.
Restricted networks --user without permission
Restricted features multiselect function.
Project Takeaways
The Restricted Network feature was Charter’s first foray into restricted data access within Magellan, presenting unique challenges. Given additional time, deeper user research with field techs could have yielded even greater insights into everyday interactions with restricted zones. The fast-tracked timeline underscored the importance of adaptability and prioritization in delivering a secure and user-friendly feature under tight deadlines.