The Broad Institute asked us to help them improve the usability of their Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) ChemBank web application, which is used by scientists searching for specific chemical compounds and assays. We redesigned the user experience for five key screens from the application that could be used as templates to improve usability throughout the product. We worked with the team to create a new system for forming large, complex queries and presenting them in a way that is easy to use. We delivered our designs as a set of HTML files, complete with CSS and supporting images.
Hagan: Project Lead, Interaction Design, HTML and CSS Prototyping
David: Visual Design
BEFORE
It’s nice to feel “welcome” but the scientists who use this web application expect the user interface to get them moving on what they need to do. Looking at the original screen, you would have no idea what you could expect to do here.
AFTER
This user experience needed to be all about searching-many types of searching. So the user interface is intended to present each type of search with help text to help users better understand the differences between them.
BEFORE
Users had to construct a query in XML. Although these are scientists, constructing an XML query isn’t something that is easy for them. This is an experience that is not unlike being dropped off at Home Depot and being told to buy everything needed to build a house from scratch.
AFTER
Not only are users’ choices for search spelled out in this user interface design, but it’s much easier to debug the criteria because the user can ically follow each condition.
BEFORE
Is the user searching for a Compound, or is this a Compound Search (with multiple conditions)? Both constructs exist in the user experience, yet it’s difficult for users to gain a foothold. In SaaS user experiences, it’s important to make users’ required actions self-evident.
AFTER
Yes, this user interface still requires expert knowledge in searching with SMILE, but the screen redirects less sophisticated users to the right place, and allows more technically inclined users to save (and build upon) their previous searches.
