Background


Problem

syGlass is a complex software that often requires individual training for users to understand its functionality. However, users still frequently struggle to achieve their goals due to difficulty recalling previously used actions and a non-intuitive menu system.

Business goal

Initially introduced in 2016, syGlass is a data visualization tool used by scientists in the US and Europe. syGlass is an unparalleled solution for science communication, offering unique capabilities that bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and secondary education classrooms around the world.

Increase the intuitiveness and learnability of the menu, reducing the need for individual training and improving customer retention.

Final Design launched in May 2024

Principles & Goals

Research & Prototyping

Final design: Customization & System response

Post-launch results

Consistency

Maintaining consistency across syGlass was critical due to its complex nature and diverse user base. We aimed to standardize the system layout to enhance scalability and learnability, ensuring a seamless user experience.

System response

Providing clear system responses was essential in the redesign of syGlass because of the irreversible nature of certain actions. The previous version lacked adequate system feedback, causing users to hesitate in exploring the system because of unpredictable outcomes.

Intuitiveness

Designing intuitive interfaces with a clear hierarchy for both new and existing users presented a challenge. Clear visual cues, progressive disclosure, and interactive tutorials were employed to address this challenge.

  • Implemented clear and descriptive labels to improve user awareness and navigation;

  • Introduced confirmation messages to provide reassurance and reduce errors during critical actions.

  • Customized view within the recommended 90 degrees, providing users with a comfortable work environment.

  • Expanded the toolset and streamlined the switching process to minimize clicks and improve efficiency.

  • Established a consistent design system with a clear visual hierarchy to support a more efficient and intuitive user experience.

  • Lack of labels - Users were unaware of the full software functionality;

  • No confirmation messages - Users felt frustrated when performing crucial actions e.g. delete or deactivate.

  • Excessive VR View Angle - The view exceeded the recommended 90 degrees in VR, forcing users to move uncomfortably.

  • Limited Tool Availability - Only one tool was available, requiring users to perform multiple clicks to switch between tools.

  • Inconsistent Design - The lack of visual hierarchy hindered efficient user flow.

With a UX consultant, we spent three months conducting contextual inquiries, interviewing, and observing scientists to document the pain points and strengths of syGlass for analysis.

New Design

What we learned 

  1. Users want more freedom to customize their view, including control over where menus open relative to the data.

  2. Users frequently use two or three tools and want quick access to them.

  3. Users are unaware of some useful functions within the syGlass.

I designed wireframes and collaborated with engineers to develop a prototype.

We then tested the VR prototype with 12 users, conducting two rounds of usability tests to refine the design.

Old Design

Final design: Tools & Labels

26%

32%

80%

Project

3D menu system redesign.

improvement in learnability, along with enhanced speed-of-use and intuitiveness compared to the old version.

improvement in the discoverability of the old functionality

Satisfaction increases with the addition of three tools and improved ease of switching between them.

The team

UX Design & Research: UX Consultant & myself
Backend & Frontend: Lead Engineer, Engineer.