Introduction
Within the InsightStore, Questions are the most used functionality of the platform. It is the main component that the rest of the application’s functionality is built around. When shifting to IS 2.0 it was crucial to enhance this experience since internal users stressed the importance of this.
Strategy
Research
When talking with users during interviews about searching and managing questions within the InsightStore, the same problems were voiced by everyone. The old system was very slow and cumbersome to use. The search needed a complete overhaul on the backend, as well as fixes to the many existing usability issues.
Technical Considerations
Just like other InsightStore 2.0 projects, one of the biggest technical considerations was to make sure the new user experience would work with the old system. All of the available functionality needed to remain.
Project Requirements
- New functionality must be backwards compatible with older system
- Make the experience of searching and managing questions user friendly
- Redesign how search filters are displayed and activated
- Display metadata in search results
Outcome
Feedback & Iterations
New designs were validated with users, but much of the feedback cycle with this particular project happened between the design and development team. Since we had to ensure the new application could still work with the old one, designs were always being challenged by developers in feasibility. Having close communication with the development team was imperative to this project's success.
Visual Solution
Compared to the old search experience, the new solution looks and functions much better. The search results display more metadata and the filter functionality is a huge improvement. Pagination for search results reduced cognitive fatigue users would experience when browsing results. The experience of viewing and managing questions was also largely improved. Actions and information related to questions are easier to access.