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The client has an existing web application that is live, serving as a search platform for users to access articles, news, clinical trials, and studies related to the pharmaceutical industry. However, the current UI/UX design of the application presents several challenges. Users struggle to navigate through the options effectively, leading to difficulties in locating themselves within the application and understanding their actions while performing tasks. The application lacks intuitive navigation, efficient filter application, clear presentation of search results, and streamlined downloading processes. As a result, users encounter frustration and inefficiency when attempting to utilize the platform for their research needs.
The top navigation bar on the search page contains menu buttons that are not accessible until a user performs a search. Additionally, the advanced search icon in the search bar does not effectively communicate its purpose. Scrolling at the bottom of the page is disruptive, and the footer section lacks clarity.
To address these issues and improve user experience, I implemented several changes to the UI. Firstly, I removed the inaccessible menu buttons from the top navigation bar on the search page to simplify the interface. Next, I replaced the advanced search icon with a text button labeled "Advanced Search" below the search bar to make it clearer to users. Additionally, I eliminated the disruptive scrolling at the bottom of the page and added a clear footer section to enhance navigation and visual clarity. These modifications aim to streamline the user experience and make it easier for users to navigate and utilize the search functionality effectively.
The current representation of AND, OR, and NOT functionalities in the advanced search feature is not user-friendly, making it challenging for users to utilize these functionalities effectively. Additionally, the Add Field dropdown does not function properly with the search options, leading to confusion and inefficiency.
To address these issues and enhance usability, I have redesigned the advanced search functionality. Firstly, I removed the Add Field dropdown to streamline the search options and improve clarity. Instead of representing AND, OR, and NOT functionalities as dropdown options, I have integrated them directly into the search interface. Now, when users type a keyword, they are presented with options to include AND, OR, or NOT beside the keyword, allowing for intuitive selection. Users can add multiple keywords with corresponding operators and refine their search criteria accordingly. Additionally, I have added a text button below the search bar to allow users to easily switch back to the standard search mode if desired. This simplified approach aims to improve user experience and make advanced search functionality more accessible and intuitive for users.
The current search results page presents several challenges for users. Users struggle to navigate through the results, as different sections with varying titles display results related to the keyword used. Locating the required section is cumbersome, as users must scroll through the entire page and expand each section to view all results within it. Additionally, in the expanded view, users find it difficult to navigate and understand their location within the results, as the expanded view converts the search results into a tabular format.
To address these challenges and improve user experience, I have redesigned the entire search results page. By default, users now see the expanded list view of the first section, providing a clear starting point. To enhance navigation between different sections of results, I have incorporated tab options with titles for each section, allowing users to easily switch to the desired section of results. Furthermore, I have implemented breadcrumb trails to visually indicate the user's location within the results, improving navigation clarity. Additionally, I have introduced a sub-search feature, enabling users to search for specific items within the current search results, enhancing search efficiency. Lastly, to manage larger result sets, I have implemented pagination, replacing long scrolls with a more manageable browsing experience. These enhancements aim to streamline the user experience and facilitate easier navigation and exploration of search results.
The current platform's "More Filters" option is not effectively utilized by users due to its location in the top navigation with a small, inconspicuous icon. Users are unaware of its functionality until they click on it, leading to underutilization of this important feature.
Recognizing the significance of the "More Filters" option as a key feature, I repositioned it prominently on the platform. Placing it immediately after the main search bar and before the search results tabs, users can easily access it as it directly impacts all search results. By bringing the filter options out into the open, users can readily see and interact with them. Additionally, I introduced an "Apply Filters" button, enabling users to apply multiple filters and refine their search criteria before viewing the appropriate results. This solution aims to enhance user engagement with the filter feature and improve the overall search experience on the platform.
The current tabular view in the platform lacks user-friendliness, especially when dealing with numerous rows and columns of data. Users face difficulty in accessing and downloading specific rows of data, as scrolling through the entire table is cumbersome. Additionally, the multi-select option for downloading results is not intuitive for users.
To address these challenges and enhance user experience, I have implemented several improvements. Firstly, I introduced a settings icon that allows users to selectively choose which rows with headings to display. By deselecting specific row headings, users can customize the view to show only the desired results, improving accessibility and usability. Additionally, I revamped the multi-select option for downloading results to make it more user-friendly. Users can now access a dropdown menu with options such as select, select all, and select multiple, streamlining the selection process. Once selections are made, a download icon appears, enabling users to easily download the chosen data. These enhancements aim to simplify data access and downloading processes, resulting in a more user-friendly tabular view experience on the platform.
In conclusion, the redesign project aimed to address various usability issues and enhance the overall user experience of the pharmaceutical search platform. By identifying and tackling specific challenges across different aspects of the platform, including search functionality, advanced search options, search results presentation, and data accessibility, we endeavored to streamline navigation, improve functionality, and increase user engagement.
Through thoughtful redesigns and user-centered solutions, we successfully improved the accessibility and usability of the platform. Key enhancements included simplifying the search interface, introducing intuitive navigation elements, enhancing search result organization, and optimizing data access and download processes. These improvements aimed to empower users to efficiently search for and access relevant pharmaceutical information while navigating the platform seamlessly.
By implementing these solutions, we aimed to address the core issues identified in the platform's UI/UX design, ultimately leading to a more user-friendly and effective pharmaceutical search platform. Moving forward, ongoing user feedback and iterative improvements will continue to drive enhancements and ensure the platform remains user-centric and responsive to user needs and preferences.
