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Ardavan Mir

QuickBooks Online Advanced · Advanced accounting

Evidence folio E.02 · Public-safe edition

Information architecture · Classification & reporting

Designing information architecture for advanced accounting workflows

I shaped advanced accounting workflows that help teams understand multi-dimensional classification, reporting, and decision-making inside a complex financial product.

Role
Product design, information architecture, workflow design
Focus
Advanced accounting, dimensional classification, reporting clarity
Output
IA models, workflow concepts, product patterns, cross-functional artifacts
Status
Public-safe case study

Stage 02 · Structure

Classification had to feel clear, not heavier.

Advanced accounting becomes difficult when teams need to classify, compare, and report across multiple dimensions. The challenge was not only to expose more structure, but to make that structure understandable and useful.

The problem

Users need to understand what each classification means, how it affects reporting, and how to act with confidence—without absorbing unnecessary cognitive load.

My role

I shaped workflow concepts, information architecture, and interaction patterns that made dense classification and reporting workflows easier to understand, navigate, and act on.

Stage 03 · Prototype

The model became an interface people could reason through.

Four principles connected classification structure to the reporting decisions it ultimately shaped.

01

Make dimensions understandable

Help users see what each dimension means, how it relates to others, and where it shows up in their workflow.

02

Show structure in context

Surface classification and reporting structure where people need it — not as an abstract settings layer.

03

Reduce classification ambiguity

Clarify labels, relationships, and consequences so teams can classify with more confidence.

04

Support reporting confidence

Connect classification choices to reporting views and decision context people can evaluate.

Stage 04 · Evidence

From classification ambiguity to reporting confidence.

The design helped users understand not only where a classification belongs, but how that choice affects reporting, review, and downstream decision-making.

P.01

Dimensional classification grid

A structured view that helps teams see how classifications relate across multiple dimensions.

P.02

Reporting context layer

A layer that connects classification choices to the reporting views and decisions they affect.

P.03

Account structure model

An abstract model that makes hierarchy and relationships easier to understand at a glance.

P.04

Review and confirmation moment

A deliberate step where users can confirm classification before it affects downstream reporting.

Clarify the model

Make the underlying dimensions and relationships easier to understand.

Keep context close

Show classification choices alongside the reporting or decision context they affect.

Support review

Create moments where users can confirm structure before it shapes downstream reporting.

Withheld / NDA materialCustomer data, internal product screens, project dates, and unverified impact metrics remain omitted.

Stage 05 · Story

The abstract model stayed connected to real decisions.

Synthetic diagrams show the classification and reporting logic with generic labels— keeping the system legible without exposing confidential product UI.

Exhibit E.02a · Classification and reporting studies

Classification ambiguity → Reporting confidence

How structure, context, and review can turn classification ambiguity into reporting confidence.

01Ambiguity02Structure03Context04Review05Confidence
Dimensional classification grid

A public-safe model for making multi-dimensional classification easier to inspect.

Reporting context layer

How classification choices connect to reporting context and decision-making.

01Source02Dimension03Report lens04Decision context05Review
Account structure model

A simplified model for showing relationships without exposing product or customer data.

AccountDimensionCategoryRelationshipReport groupingRelationshipReport grouping
Review and confirmation moment

A checkpoint that helps users review classification before downstream reporting impact.

Classification
Synthetic category assignment
Impact
Reporting lens preview
Review
Pending confirmation
Confirm
Awaiting action
Recorded
Not yet saved