Text Compare Website
Upload, Compare, Export
Megaputer Intelligence Inc.
Role: Conducting user research / Conducting market analysis / brainstorming & Exploring Design / Conducting usability testing
Background
In addition to its main product, PolyAnalyst, Megaputer has developed several web-based text mining and analysis services.
Text Compare is one of Megaputer’s web services designed to identify discrepancies between an original file and multiple modified versions, facilitating efficient document review and analysis. This tool streamlines the process of pinpointing changes and variations across numerous documents, enhancing accuracy and productivity.
Design Goal
Our text compare service will provide users a robust and user-friendly platform that seamlessly identifies and highlights discrepancies between and original document and multiple modified versions ensuring precise and efficient document analysis and review.
The impact will be measured by evaluating user engagement on the website and the total number of exports per user.
Potential Users
Software developers
Writers & Editors
Researchers & Academics
Content Managers
Legal Professionals
Competitors Analysis
Embedika
DiffChecker
Platform
Insights
Features & Functionalities
Supported file types
Should be available for us
Type of comparison
Should be available for us
Ability to compare multiple documents
Can be our strenght
Syntax highlighting
Should be available for us
Customization
Can be sign of accuracy
User Experience
Ease of use & intuitive interface
Should make it easier
Speed of performance
Should take less than 2s
Mobile responsiveness & compatibility
Should design for mobile
Accessibility features
Better colors can be our strength
Pricing & Plans
Free vs. paid option
Should be free
Free trials or demo
Should suggest if feasible
DEFINE /USERS & PRODUCT
Define Product Features
Based on research findings and business constraints, the team of developers and I aimed product features as below:
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possibility to compare one file (original file) with multiple files (modified files)
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include “Modify” mode where users are only able to upload documents to compare and “View” mode where they can see and interact with results. It prevents having to start over and users are able to add more files
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navigate easily between modified files
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display number of differences ( specifically and in total) and highlight them
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include export feature for exporting results between two documents
ANALYZE / DISCUSS & DICEDE
Concept Validation
I performed A/B testing with users to evaluate functionality and usability, and determined the feasibility of each idea through discussions with the development team.
The MVP outlines for me in this stage were document upload, discrepancy detection, side by side comparison, comparison result page and summery report.
Lo-Fi Prototype
Final Low-fidelity Prototype was sent to the developers so they could use it to draft the structure of the website while the high-fidelity prototype was being prepared.
Lo-Fi #1
Lo-Fi #2
DESIGN / EXPLORING DESIGN SOLUTION & CONSTRUCTING THE WEBSITE
Final Deliverable
I started polishing the design after giving the developers the low-fidelity prototype, with a focus on the UI, color schemes, accessibility, readability, and other design elements considering all limitation on design.
Landing page
Import file or text input
Compare results
Table view
Handling Project Challenge
A challenge emerged: to redesign the product following the delivery of the final design.
During the implementation phase, some stakeholders requested the addition of new features to the product, therefore I was asked to incorporate them into final prototype which I had delivered them to the devs and since developers were in the middle of implementation, I had to add new feature without having any major changes in the interface.
New features included:
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add “Compare Setting” to modify results according to various demands
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add “Table View” to view the results in the form of a table with certain particular settings
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display the similarity rate as a chart
DELIVER / HANDLING PROBLEMS, REVIEWING DESIGN SOLUTION
Usability Testing & Iteration
Usability Testing Method: Moderated remote usability test
Goal: Evaluating the clarity of the comparison results and the efficiency of the workflow
Participants: 3 data analysts and 2 computer science students
Tasks: Upload multiple files, compare them against an original, and interpret the differences
Metrics: Task success rate, error rate, time to complete tasks, and user feedback
Key Finding: The testing revealed that 80% of users found the upload process intuitive, but 40% struggled with understanding the comparison output due to unclear labeling (naming). Additionally, 60% of participants attempted to click on non-interactive visual elements, assuming they were actionable. This led to confusion and minor disruptions in their workflow.
Design Solutions: Based on these findings, the interface was improved by enhancing the descriptive labeling of differences, modifying static elements to reduce the appearance of interactivity. After these refinements, a follow-up usability test showed a 30% reduction in task completion time and increased user confidence in interpreting results.
Developed product
Key Takeaways
Like with other design projects, I learned a lot from this project as well, but I faced with some new aspect of product development in this project. I tried to successfully collaborate with devs, users and CEO ensuring all stakeholders were aligned and their needs were addressed throughout the project.
In addition, I tried to handle changing requirements efficiently and incorporate them into the design with minimal disruption to the existing UI.
Last but not least, I made an effort to adhere to all user-centric design principles.
LUNCH / BETA VERSION VALIDATION & TAKEAWAYS