Optimizing Cloud Cost Management: Streamlining Hyperscaler Expenses and Maximizing Savings
Internship story • 4 min read
Company
SAP
My Role
UX Design Intern
Overview
I interned with the Plutus team, contributing to a cloud cost management platform designed to help line-of-business (LOB) teams maximize savings on hyperscaler expenses. Collaborating closely with the UX Design Specialist, I focused on creating interactive data visualizations and ensuring a consistent, accessible design throughout the platform. My main goal was to make complex data intuitive and actionable for users.
Timeline
July 2024 - Jan 2025
Tools
Figma
Work in Progress—Hard Hats Required👷
This case study is still under construction, but don’t worry—I’m laying the foundation, fine-tuning the details, and making sure it’s built to last. In the meantime, take a detour through my internship experience—it’s been an adventure of its own!
Before We Start
What is SAP Plutus↗
Plutus is SAP’s flagship cloud cost optimization platform, launched in 2018 to help businesses manage their hyperscaler expenses effectively. By centralizing cloud services and leveraging AI-driven recommendations, the platform streamlines operations and enables significant cost savings. In 2024 alone, Plutus surpassed $1 billion in savings for SAP. For its transformative impact, Plutus was honored with the prestigious Hasso Plattner Founders’ Award in 2023.
Internship Experience
Designing, Learning, and Growing with Plutus 🌟
Interning with the Plutus team was an incredible journey of learning and growth. One of my first projects was redesigning the cost reporting tool, a feature that helps users break down and analyze their cloud expenses. It felt like a big responsibility knowing my work would eventually go live, but it was also exciting as it was an opportunity to create something meaningful.
My manager gave me an SAP spotlight award for my work, which made me feel appreciated and validated the effort I had put in. It wasn’t just about the recognition—it was knowing that what I contributed made a meaningful difference for both the team and our users. What stayed with me was the trust I was given throughout the internship. Being able to take ownership of projects made me feel valued, showing me that my ideas and perspective mattered.
Of course, there were also moments that stretched me. Explaining my design decisions to developers and stakeholders was challenging at first, and I worried about not having all the answers. But I learned that it’s not about knowing everything—it’s about being clear, listening, and staying open to collaboration. Questions from the team often made me rethink my approach, and those conversations led to better designs, reminding me that good design is never a solo effort.
The proudest moment? Seeing the tools I worked on shipped to production. Knowing that real users would rely on something I designed felt incredibly rewarding. By the end of my internship, I had grown more confident in handling projects from start to finish—not just as a designer, but as a collaborator.
6 Months • 8 Projects
What did I work on?
5 Reporting Tools
Including multi-dimensional reports and dashboards.
2 New Features
Save and share report filters to reduce repetitive tasks.
Exchange and Return Hub
Streamlined resource management for exchanges and refunds.
Key Learnings
Designing with Data and Users in Mind 🛠️
0
1
Data Visualization
Working on reporting tools taught me how to design interactive charts and tables that simplify complex data. Designing for multi-dimensional reports added another layer of complexity, pushing me to think critically about how users navigate layered information while prioritizing accessibility and clarity.
0
2
User Testing
Conducting user testing taught me how to gather meaningful feedback and translate it into actionable improvements. It revealed how the smallest of design choices could significantly impact usability. It also reinforced the importance of observing how users interact with the product to uncover pain points that aren’t always obvious.
Personal Reflection
Looking Back...
My internship with the Plutus team was a defining moment in my journey as a designer. I learned to take ownership of my work, trust my instincts, and embrace collaboration as a vital part of the design process. Presenting my ideas to developers and stakeholders wasn’t always easy, but those conversations taught me the importance of clear communication and the value of diverse perspectives. Working on complex tools like multi-dimensional reports showed me how design can transform complicated tasks into something approachable and user-friendly, reinforcing my passion for creating thoughtful, practical solutions.
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