Skyportal, a web platform that organizes data for astronomers
Optimized astronomy data viewing for researchers.
Role
Project Lead
Timeline
October to December 2023
3 Designers, 3 Developers
Team
Tools & Skills
Figma, UXR, UI Design, Management
Background
Streamlining data organization
Skyportal is a web application that enables researchers to analyze the astronomy datasets collected from the Zwicky Transient Facility.
We were tasked to restructure the Candidate page which allows the researcher to scan through a database of stars that appear on certain dates. I was also in charge as project lead of my team with the design timeline and initiating meetings with developers.
Research & Findings
Searching for data on Skyportal was too time-consuming
Our research first involved 34 surveys and 8 user interviews with astronomy researchers to identify usage habits and pain-points.
Our interviews involved usability testing to evaluate data filtering process. We noticed many researchers spent majority of the time searching for specific filters and frequently had to navigate around the collapsing subtabs.
Majority of researchers reported visiting the Candidates pages daily, but many felt frustrated with filtering information, describing the process as “slow” and “chaotic.” Despite dissatisfaction, researchers still relied on the platform daily, as it was one of the few that compiled astronomy data from the necessary databases.
Goals
How might we streamline filtering for a candidate?
To address the issue of slow and unintuitive navigation, the key goals we focused on for our initial designs were to:
Reduce the time needed to set up filters for a candidate.
Minimize interaction inputs required to access specific tabs.
Improve clarity of inputted filters for user review and adjustments.
Wireframing
Simplifying the interface into a grid layout
Our iterations focused on refining the information architecture to a point where users.
We eventually settled on a grid layout that groups features into different areas. Sectioning these functions make inputting and keeping track of data far easier for users.
Final Designs
The Updated Candidates Experience
The new grid layout organizes functions in a clear structure for daily use.
Researchers can easily track their datasets and candidates in one view.
All your data in one place
Input information with ease
Researchers can quickly select programs through searching.
Added features like calendar windows provide an intuitive way to record information.
Seamlessly switch between each sub-filtering tool.
Users can keep track of which tools are active for simpler searching.
Stay on top of your filters
Reflection
Takeaways
Skyportal's focused scope gave me the opportunity to refine its experience and develop a deeper understanding of astronomy data, something well beyond my initial comfort zone.
Conducting usability testing with our redesign revealed great improvements, with users filtered candidates 19% faster and a 27% increase in reported satisfaction!
We hope to see our design goals of efficiency and easy trackability onto Skyportal's other pages to create a cohesive user flow.