Overview
Background
Seeq is an enterprise solution that allows advanced analytics for process manufacturing data. In other words, engineers use Seeq to analyze and visualize their data in meaningful ways. During my first year at Seeq, I was tasked with improving the Home Screen for our existing users. In order to approach this project, it was important for me to first identify the current pain points.
My Role: Principal UX Designer and UX Researcher.
Here is the initial Home Screen.
Initial Research
I conducted several internal feedback sessions and reviewed support tickets to understand the current challenges identified by stakeholders and super users. I also attended several training sessions with users to observe their behavior and gather feedback about their current experiences.
Heuristics Evaluation
After several discussions and interviews, I outlined the major areas that needed improvement on the home screen.
- Improve search capability
- Make filter option understandable
- Consider removing the grid option
- Make the default view more meaningful
- Make the left and right panels feel more connected
Wireframes & Early Feedback
I created low-fi wireframes to get feedback on early ideas from both internal stakeholders and external clients.
Usability Feedback
Search and filter
- Users want the capability to search inside workbooks for keywords or tags
- Search by “Created by”, “Owner”, “Description” or “Content”
Table View
- Users found the table view helpful
- Wanted the ability to sort each column
- Recently opened and Pinned are helpful for finding information quickly.
- The corporate drive should have folders that are by default shared with the appropriate group.
- Wanted the ability to copy or delete items when they are the owner.
Dashboard
- Though users liked the look of the dashboard view, it wasn’t clear what value they’d get from it.
- Users loved the notifications concept.
Left Sidebar
- Indicate that these items are dropdowns
- Corporate drive – folder structure similar to windows
- Consider making the interface similar to familiar file-sharing applications
Final Prototype
Based on usability research and technical scope, we decided to focus on the following features:
- Redesign the look and feel of the home screen.
- When users land on the home screen, allow them to see recently opened and pinned items.
- Allow pagination so that the user can navigate through the table.
- Develop the advanced search feature and include filtering for content type and location.
- Include a left sidebar for ease of use and navigating documents.
- Include a right sidebar to give users helpful links.
- Hovering over the item will allow users to view documents or worksheets within that item.
After the Prototype
After handing off the design to developers, I advised them on additional UX behavior, UI tweaks, and the final look and feel. I also set up three post-development usability sessions with end users to test ease of use and address any blockers and major UI concerns. The new design was extremely successful and only required a few minor improvements.
Company Video
This company video outlines the final design and behavior of the new Home Screen.