Ecology Carbon Dashboard
I directed user research, UX, and visual design for a data visualization tool tailored to the needs of ecology scientists, prioritizing precise usability, customization, and brand consistency.
Timeline: September 2024 - December 2024
Role: UX / UI Designer (Individual Project)
Tools: Figma
This project was undertaken at ApexRMS, a team of scientists dedicated to providing ecology-related services and solutions for government agencies worldwide.
My challenge was to design intuitive software that enables ecological scientists to visualize and analyze strata data across diverse study locations while offering flexibility for customization to meet individual user requirements.
A dashboard that goes beyond data presentation. Empowering scientists to optimize efficiency and accuracy through full control over maps and high-level data displays.
Scientists can precisely analyze ecological data for a specific study area by filtering their selection through a control panel. The selected areas are synchronously highlighted on the map with a clear colour-coded hierarchy, providing intuitive visual feedback.
Based on user research, I implemented modal windows and layered toggles to reduce the need for opening new windows. This approach helps scientists maintain a clean workspace while easily connecting the logic between the current and previous windows.
Scientists can customize how they compare and analyze datasets. For example, they can use a single map to view data changes over time or display two maps side by side for a comprehensive view of a location.
Scientists can personalize the homepage to display a high-level data summary. They can add data blocks to create a customizable gallery, with each block serving as a shortcut to detailed analysis pages with preset filters.
The design was refined through usability testing, ensuring it met user needs and addressing any gaps between the system and user expectations.
Providing precise design solutions for niche user groups, while empowering users to efficiently customize workflows to suit their needs.
User testing showed a 60% reduction in time spent on each round of data analysis compared to the previous tool, Synchrosim Cloud, by incorporating the dynamic data comparison feature.The UI design for the selection box and the user flow for dashboard sharing were adopted across other ApexRMS software solutions, driving improvements in usability.ApexRMS’s clients were 69% more willing to use the dashboard as the design is customizable to their on-brand design.
The biggest challenge of this project was working with a complex and niche user group: ecological scientists in the STEM industry. These users required precise and scientifically accurate solutions from my design. I had to empathize with their unique needs and address problems outside my area of expertise. This demanded a quick understanding of their professional practices and consistent team collaboration throughout the three-month project.