Host Layout Redesign
Improvement to the canvas user flow known as Host Layout inside Web Report Editor
Megaputer Intelligence Inc.
Role: Conducting user research / Prototyping a new user flow / Collaborating with developers / Conducting usability testing
Introduction
The Web Report Editor (WRE) is a pivotal component of the PolyAnalyst software, designed for creating and managing interactive report dashboards. WRE offers two distinct types of canvas layouts: Grid Layout and Host Layout.
Grid Layout provides a structured, grid-based arrangement of components, ideal for users who prefer a systematic approach to dashboard design, while Host Layout offers a more flexible design environment with automatic layout suggestions, enhancing the user’s ability to create optimized dashboards effortlessly.
Host Layout Advantage
[Why does it matter?]
In the Host Layout mode, the Web Report Editor leverages advanced algorithms to suggest optimal placements for new components. The first component automatically occupies the full screen, ensuring maximum visibility and impact. As additional components are added, they are intelligently positioned around the initial component, maintaining a balanced and aesthetically pleasing arrangement without requiring manual adjustments.
Problem Statement
The current host layout feature is underutilized by the majority of users. Users have reported significant challenges, including difficulty in placing components within the canvas, which is perceived as time-consuming and inefficient. Additionally, users struggle to design appropriate layouts for report dashboards, leading to a frustrating user experience.
These issues highlight the need for improvements in the usability and functionality of the host layout to better meet user needs and enhance overall satisfaction.
DEFINE / IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM & UNDERSTANDING ITS IMPORTANCE
User Model Analysis
Data Scientists
Responsibilities:
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Data collection, cleaning, and preprocessing
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Visualizing data to identify trends and patterns
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Presenting data insights to stakeholders through reports and dashboards
In-Depth Interview
Interview questions included discussing their overall experience and the specific difficulties they encounter when dealing with host layout, as well as questions on usability, their goals and needs, discussing alternatives, and concluding with an open-ended inquiry.
Behavioral Analytics
Beside in-depth interview, I conducted user behavioral analysis to deeply study how users interact with the Host layout.
I utilized mixed methods research to measure some data such as efficiency, time on tasks, drop-off points and gained more detailed information by asking follow up questions.
User Task Flow
How users take steps to visualize data in Host Layout
Key Insights & Recurring Patterns
Time Consuming
No Templates
Component Setting Difficulties
Spend too much time on visualizing components
Difficult to decide about layout design
Visualizing each components takes to much work & effort
Fitting components into layout is often annoying and is not quick
Have to start from scratch on dashboard visualization
Not possible to simultaneously alter components
RESEARCH / DIG DEEP INTO PROBLEM
Wire-Framing the Solution
Usability Testing Goals
Remote Moderate Usability Testing
Testing Insights
Task
Insights
Recommendations
Select one template layout
It took longer than anticipated
Make it more outstanding
Add one more container to the layout
It took longer than anticipated
Make them easier to find
Add one full screen vertical component
Easy to complete task
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Apply 2px margin to all components
User selected all components to adjust them simultaneously
Enable this function in right panel
DESIGN / EXPLORING DESIGN SOLUTIONS & ITERATION
Devs Handover
The final prototype was delivered to developers for implementation.
Key improvements included introducing nineteen preset templates and streamlined methods for adding new containers for visualization tools and components, significantly speeding up the layout design process. These changes led to a 35% increase in task completion rates and a 20% improvement in System Usability Scale (SUS) scores, ultimately resulting in increased user satisfaction in subsequent usability tests.
Key Takeaways
From this project, I learned that thorough user behavioral analysis is crucial for identifying specific pain points and areas for improvement in user interface design. Additionally, continuous feedback and iterative testing are essential for refining features to better meet user needs and enhance overall satisfaction.
DELIVER / DESIGN COMPLETION & HIGHLIGHTS