ZFlash: a new flashing utility tool
ZFlash: a new flashing utility tool (2025)
ZFLASH is a cross-platform disk image writing tool designed to provide a simple, secure, and reliable way for technical users and developers to flash disk images onto USB drives and SD cards. It supports multiple operating systems (macOS, Windows, Linux) and offers streamlined integration with the EVE-OS GitHub repository for direct image flashing.
CONTEXT
Developers and system administrators often need to flash operating systems or special disk images for testing, deployment, or development purposes. Existing solutions tend to be either command-line utilities that are complex and risky or tools lacking robust security, especially on macOS where permissions and system protections create hurdles. ZFLASH was created to address this need by combining ease of use with enhanced security and system drive protection across platforms.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Technical users face challenges with existing disk flashing tools: complex command-line interfaces, inadequate security layers on macOS, risk of accidentally overwriting critical system drives, and time-consuming manual setup. There is a gap for a dedicated, secure, and user-friendly UI that handles OS-level permissions and ensures safe flashing of disk images with minimal user intervention.
APPROACH
Research Methods: Contextual interviews with team members and customers, usability analysis of current market options (Etcher, Rufus, Ventoy, etc.), heuristic analysis, UX benchmarking, and user flow mapping. Design Process: 1. Conducted research to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. 2. Analyzed information to extract findings and insights for discussion with stakeholders. 3. Ideated and created wireframe prototypes. 4. Performed user testing on concept prototypes and refined designs accordingly. 5. Mapped out the new user flow for stakeholder review (business and engineering). 6. Produced high-fidelity mockups and collaborated with engineering for implementation. 7. Prepared final deliverables for development handoff. Tools Used: Figma was the primary tool for compiling and analyzing information, as well as for designing prototypes.
SOLUTION
Final Design: UI mockups handed over to Engineering. Design Rationale: The result was a HI-FI version of the user flow and the UI for the flashing tool.