Web App Study Case

Problem

Document exchange platform designed for suppliers and market chains, faced usability challenges related to its order document table. Suppliers found it difficult to understand the document processing workflow. Key issues included: Lack of visibility into the document processing status and next steps. Difficulty understanding the entire supply chain flow for a given document. Unclear availability of actions for each document.

Key Question: How do suppliers currently interact with the order document table?

Why

Research, guided by the key questions, revealed that the existing table structure presented information in a way that didn't align with the supplier's workflow. This led to:

• Lack of Context: The absence of clear visual cues or status indicators made it challenging for suppliers to understand where each document was in the supply chain and what actions were required next.

• Inefficient Workflow: The unclear presentation of information forced users to spend unnecessary time deciphering the table, slowing down their workflow and increasing the potential for errors.

We adopted an incremental approach, recognizing the importance of minimizing disruption in a financial context. Based on analysis of users workflow, we identified that prioritizing and clarifying key information within the table would significantly improve usability.

Solution

To address these issues, we implemented the following changes:

• Column Reorganization: We rearranged the columns in the table based on their importance to the user's workflow. The most critical information, such as document status, next action, and due dates, was placed in prominent positions for immediate visibility.

• Data Deduplication: We eliminated redundant data to reduce cognitive overload and improve clarity. This involved identifying and removing unnecessary columns or consolidating information into more concise formats.

By prioritizing essential information and streamlining the table's structure, we aimed to:

• Improve Workflow Efficiency: By providing clear visibility into document status and next steps, we enabled suppliers to manage their orders more efficiently.

• Reduce Errors: By reducing cognitive overload and clarifying available actions, we minimized the potential for mistakes.

• Enhance User Understanding: By presenting information in a logical and user-centric manner, we improved the overall user experience and made the platform more intuitive.