Redefining Bioprinting Software Usability at CELLINK

Role: UX/UI Designer
Industry: Bioprinting Technology
Focus: Enhancing user clarity and minimizing errors in bioprinting workflows

Background

CELLINK, a leader in the bioprinting industry, develops cutting-edge bioprinters like LUMENX to create complex biological structures. Accompanying these advanced devices is software crucial to their precision and performance. However, users—scientists, quality assurance testers, and software testers—frequently faced challenges in navigating the software efficiently.

Problem Statement

Users encountered significant usability issues, particularly in identifying permissible actions during various stages of bioprinting. These challenges resulted in:

  • Redundant Actions: Repeating unnecessary steps, leading to inefficiencies.

  • Errors: Initiating conflicting actions, causing material waste and compromised results.

  • User Frustration: A lack of clear guidance on permissible interactions, increasing reliance on trial and error.

Example Issue:
When updating software from the "About" page, other options in the printer utilities menu remained accessible. If users interacted with these options, the progress bar disappeared, disrupting the operation. Developers struggled to address this issue due to its complexity.

Objectives

  1. Reduce redundant actions by introducing clear interaction guidelines.

  2. Minimize errors caused by conflicting operations.

  3. Enhance overall user satisfaction by improving interaction clarity.

Research & Insights

Target Group

  • Scientists

  • Quality Assurance Testers

  • Software Testers

Feedback Highlights

  • “While using the printing protocols, if I go to the previous step, I lose critical information and have to start over.”

  • “Why am I not able to use printer utility options during the main protocol?”

Key Issues Identified

  1. Redundant Actions: Users repeated steps due to unclear feedback.

  2. Errors: Conflicting actions disrupted ongoing processes.

  3. Interaction Clarity: Lack of indicators for permissible actions caused confusion.

Hypothesis

  1. Visual Indicators: Adding red and green lines to signify restricted and permissible actions will reduce redundant steps.

  2. Access Control List (ACL): Introducing an ACL matrix will help users understand allowable operations at different stages, reducing error rates.

Design & Methodology

Dynamic Visual Indicators

  • Red Lines: Denote restricted interactions, preventing users from initiating actions that could disrupt critical operations.

  • Green Lines: Highlight permissible interactions, providing a clear, guided path for task execution.

Access Control List (ACL) Matrix

  • A centralized reference outlining permissible actions for each system state.

  • Simplifies communication for developers and non-technical users.

  • Empowers users to make informed decisions based on the operational context

Implementation

  1. Prototyping:

    • Designed user flows integrating red and green lines.

    • Developed an interactive ACL matrix as part of the interface.

  2. Testing:

    • Conducted usability testing to measure the impact of visual indicators and the ACL matrix.

    • Collected quantitative and qualitative feedback to refine solutions.

  3. Iterative Refinement:

    • Adjusted designs based on user feedback to ensure seamless integration into workflows.

Results

  • 50% Reduction in Redundant Actions: Streamlined workflows saved users time and effort.

  • 35% Decrease in Error Rates: Clear guidance minimized conflicting actions and material waste.

  • Enhanced User Satisfaction: Improved clarity and usability increased overall satisfaction among users.

Key Takeaways

  • User-Centric Design: Focusing on user needs led to impactful solutions that reduced friction and improved efficiency.

  • Collaboration: Bridging communication gaps between developers and users ensured cohesive solutions.

  • Proactive Problem-Solving: Visualizing complex operational constraints simplified usability for diverse user groups.

Conclusion

This project exemplifies my ability to tackle complex usability challenges in high-stakes environments. By combining innovative visual solutions with a structured approach, I delivered a system that enhances user clarity, reduces errors, and aligns with CELLINK’s mission to empower scientific innovation.