Thanks for sharing. A couple of years ago I had involved with an ML project, the first thing I'd realized was programmers and designers were using the different languages, but pointing at the same things. Designers were trying to understand what kind of "data" needs to be visualised and allow customers to interact with it. After the project was handed over to our client, I questioned myself whether I was a good "translator" mediating between the system and the client face GUI.

I like what and how you worked with your colleagues. I agree that designers must involve with the project as early as possible.