KX VSCode Extension

Making the kdb VSCode Extension the IDE of choice for developers and analysts

Problem

The KX kdb VSCode Extension had potential, but it was not yet positioned to be the IDE of choice for developers and analysts. The extension lacked a structured UX process and features were not aligned with customer workflows. Without research and usability practices, adoption risked stagnating and the product vision of a modern, AI-enhanced workspace where users could build, query, and deploy inside VSCode could not be realized.

Approach

I introduced a structured UX process to shift the extension toward that vision. This included:

  • Conducting competitive research to benchmark against other IDEs and analytics tools.
  • Running customer and internal validation sessions to uncover real developer and analyst workflows.
  • Leading usability testing with developers to generate data-driven insights.
  • Embedding UX practices across the entire project lifecycle, from requirements through design, validation, and delivery.
  • Creating VSCode-specific design system components to ensure consistency across features and align the extension with developer expectations.

Outcomes

  • Shifted the extension from reactive fixes to a process guided by data-driven insights, where developer research, feedback, and usability metrics shaped every release.
  • Validated features through usability testing, achieving an average 4.4/5 ease of use and 4.2/5 meeting requirements across core workflows.
  • Built a triad model of collaboration, where product, engineering, and design worked together on requirements and design decisions, with developers contributing ideas and co-designing features.
  • Drove adoption growth as external usage increased after each release with validated improvements reaching developers.
  • Extended the design system with VSCode-specific components, improving consistency and developer experience.
  • Translated usability metrics and developer feedback into structured candidate features in Aha!, giving product leadership clear prioritization data and ensuring validated user needs informed the roadmap.

My Role

  • Principal Product Designer accountable for UX strategy and delivery.
  • Embedded UX practices into the full lifecycle, from research and requirements to validation and release.
  • Partnered with product and engineering leadership in a triad model to align roadmap direction and adoption goals.
  • Mentored designers and promoted consistent UX practices across the platform.

Tools & Methods

Figma · Maze · Slack · Confluence · VSCode Marketplace · Competitive analysis · Usability testing · Co-design sessions

Explore the Extension

The extension is live in the VSCode Marketplace, where you can explore its evolution and feature set.