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Logic Filters

By June 27, 2018No Comments

Portfolio > Case Study: Configuration Redesign for Genologics > Logic Filters

PROBLEM

Clarity allows users to configure logic around how steps are undertaken by samples in Quality Control (QC) protocols. Each step in a QC protocol results in a Pass or Fail flag assigned to each sample. Users are able to create their own logic (boolean logic) to determine which samples end up in which steps.

WHAT MADE IT HARD FOR USERS

  • The widget was hard to use and interpret

  • If users wanted to make a change, it had to be erased and then redone, resulting in significant loss of work

  • Even though this logic was related to the entire protocol (multiple steps), users had to go to each step separately to define a filter


Approach

This is a document I produced with a developer to ensure mutual understanding of filters as well as help the developer who implemented the work.

I consulted with senior developers to understand the functionality, in the product and Boolean logic generally. I created a table that merged technology, science and user experience — showing each filter choice, how it was rendered in the code, and the science related to that decision, to ensure each permutation was considered.

UX TECHNIQUES USED

  • Collaborating with developers to fully understand the technical side
  • Creating detailed developer-facing written documentation
  • Pattern analysis (looking at existing patterns used across other applications)
  • Visual hierarchy design (visually balancing objects based on importance)

Solution

I redesigned the filter widget to read more like a plain language sentence while still sustaining the same functionality. We also moved where these filters were located in configuration up to the protocol level.

WINS FOR USERS

  • Users can understand each filter more easily
  • Users easily modify each part of a filter without losing work
  • Users can see what is happening at a protocol level

 

 

Portfolio > Case Study: Configuration Redesign for Genologics > Logic Filters