Modular Platform for Public Procurement
Transforming paper-based tender processes into a scalable digital workflow.
Context
Designing a modular platform that will digitize the complete procurement lifecycle for all Chilean public institutions. Part of Chile's 2023 Public Procurement Law modernization, this represents the largest digital transformation in the country's public sector—moving hundreds of institutions from paper-based tender processes to a fully digital system with electronic signatures.
The challenge
Chile's current procurement platform (Mercado Público) requires significant manual work: tender documents created in external tools, physical signature workflows, and fragmented evaluation processes. The new law mandated new procurement mechanisms and digital workflows, requiring a complete platform redesign that would serve every public institution and vendor in the country.
My role
Product Designer leading research, user testing, prototyping, and extensive stakeholder coordination. Working with cross-functional teams including developers, legal advisors, product managers, and representatives from multiple government agencies.
Design approach
Phase 1 - Research & Modular Architecture (2024): Conducted comprehensive research on Mercado Público's current capabilities and business requirements for each procurement mechanism. Through proof-of-concept testing, developed a modular architecture where:
Procurement Mechanism
e.g: Electronic Auction, Public Tender, etc.
Stages
Configurable sequence of process stages
Sections
Each stage contains multiple sections
Steps
Each section contains specific steps
Functional Modules
Platform capabilities: tender creation, offer submission, evaluation, etc.
Document creation
Digital signature
Evaluation
Flexibility through modularity
ChileCompra configures different procurement types using the same building blocks, ensuring consistent UX while supporting diverse business requirements.
Phase 2 - Implementation & Validation (2024-2025): First mechanism launched: Electronic Reverse Auction (June 2025, mandated by new law). Conducted extensive usability testing in August 2024 to meet the June deadline. Currently finalizing Phase 2: testing tender workflows with both buyers and vendors.
Key design challenges
Cultural transformation: Designing for complete digitalization including electronic signatures represents a fundamental shift in how every public institution in Chile operates. The interface needs to guide users through unfamiliar digital workflows while building trust in the new system.
Dual-sided complexity: Serving both buyers (creating tender documents and evaluations) and vendors (submitting offers) with different needs, technical capabilities, and workflows.
Flexibility vs. consistency: Building a modular system flexible enough to support diverse procurement mechanisms while maintaining consistent user experience.
Below you can see some of the design proposals for this project.
Impact & status
Current state: Electronic Reverse Auction live since June 2025. Platform currently in Phase 2 development—tender mechanism workflows being finalized based on user testing feedback.
Scope: National platform serving all public institutions and registered vendors. Represents Chile's commitment to digital government transformation.
Early validation: Phase 2 user testing indicates the platform will significantly simplify and accelerate procurement processes when fully implemented. Users recognize the value of integrated digital workflows versus current fragmented approach.