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Forge Automation Roast: Fixing SaaS RFQ Page UX Issues for CNC Orders
Forge Automation Roast: Fixing SaaS RFQ Page UX Issues for CNC Orders
Forge Automation Roast: Fixing SaaS RFQ Page UX Issues for CNC Orders
We redesigned Forge Automation’s Submit RFQ Page, streamlining file uploads, 3D previews, and submission states to create a more intuitive quoting workflow for CNC and 3D manufacturing orders.
Forge Automation
Software Enabled CNC Parts Supplier
YC Batch
YC Batch
Winter 2025
Industry
Industry
Manufacturing
Challenge
The original RFQ screen made it harder for users to manage multiple file uploads at scale. CTAs like Upload Files could get buried below long file lists, leading to missed actions. Duplicate “order estimate” elements created noise, while file types and submission states weren’t visually distinct—adding to user confusion. In CNC quoting workflows, fixing confusing SaaS screen flows is critical since users juggle multiple formats (.STEP, .OBJ, etc.) and need clarity to avoid costly mistakes.
Challenge
The original RFQ screen made it harder for users to manage multiple file uploads at scale. CTAs like Upload Files could get buried below long file lists, leading to missed actions. Duplicate “order estimate” elements created noise, while file types and submission states weren’t visually distinct—adding to user confusion. In CNC quoting workflows, fixing confusing SaaS screen flows is critical since users juggle multiple formats (.STEP, .OBJ, etc.) and need clarity to avoid costly mistakes.
Our Approach
We applied aesthetic-usability effectto refresh the interface, making it more trustworthy at first glance. The Upload Files CTA was pinned for visibility, reducing missed uploads (Fitts’s Law). We added file format icons and submission badges to reinforce recognition over recall. A 3D preview with axis markers aligned with users’ mental models of CAD tools, while annotations became a clear button instead of a hidden arrow (Signifiers). Redundant order details were consolidated, improving cognitive load efficiency.
Our Approach
We applied aesthetic-usability effectto refresh the interface, making it more trustworthy at first glance. The Upload Files CTA was pinned for visibility, reducing missed uploads (Fitts’s Law). We added file format icons and submission badges to reinforce recognition over recall. A 3D preview with axis markers aligned with users’ mental models of CAD tools, while annotations became a clear button instead of a hidden arrow (Signifiers). Redundant order details were consolidated, improving cognitive load efficiency.
Outcomes
The redesigned RFQ flow gives users greater clarity, faster submissions, and fewer errors. With clear submission states, pinned CTAs, and intuitive previews, users can focus on accuracy instead of fighting the interface. These changes reduce churn, speed up quoting, and improve trust—directly supporting SaaS checkout screen UX best practices and paving the way for higher adoption among CNC customers.
Outcomes
The redesigned RFQ flow gives users greater clarity, faster submissions, and fewer errors. With clear submission states, pinned CTAs, and intuitive previews, users can focus on accuracy instead of fighting the interface. These changes reduce churn, speed up quoting, and improve trust—directly supporting SaaS checkout screen UX best practices and paving the way for higher adoption among CNC customers.
BEFORE | AFTER | WHY |
|---|---|---|
Upload CTA buried under long file lists | Upload CTA pinned at top | Applies Fitts’s Law for easier, faster access |
Duplicate “Order Estimate” in two places | Consolidated into one section | Reduces cognitive load by removing redundancy |
File formats only shown by filename extension | File format icons + labels for clarity | Uses recognition over recall to reduce errors |
Submission status unclear | Submission badges (submitted vs not) | Improves visual hierarchy and quick scanning |
Arrow for part annotation | Dedicated “Annotate” button | Stronger signifier; clearer action mapping |
Static thumbnails | Interactive 3D preview with XYZ axes | Matches mental models of CAD workflows |
BEFORE |
|---|
Upload CTA buried under long file lists |
Duplicate “Order Estimate” in two places |
File formats only shown by filename extension |
Submission status unclear |
Arrow for part annotation |
Static thumbnails |
BEFORE |
|---|
Upload CTA buried under long file lists |
Duplicate “Order Estimate” in two places |
File formats only shown by filename extension |
Submission status unclear |
Arrow for part annotation |
Static thumbnails |
