User Interaction Redesign for Applied Biosystems, Life Technologies
Scientific knowledge about the nature of human genetic diversity has expanded exponentially over the past few decades. In particular, the ambitious international research effort 1000 Genomes Project has caught the world’s attention, as its scientists sequence the genes of at least 1,000 different people to create the most detailed catalogue of human genetic variation. Their work is enabled, at least in part, by the next-generation gene-sequencing machines manufactured by Life Technologies Corporation (LTC), a pioneering life sciences company whose goal is to help usher in a new era of personalized medicine.
LTC, which has an ongoing partnership with IDEO, asked our design team to help develop its next-generation gene-sequencing machine — which the company regards as a “second chance to make a first impression” on customers. Specifically, LTC tasked IDEO with developing a consistent user interface (UI) for its new DNA/RNA sequencing platform; establishing easy-to-understand work flows that enhance operator control; and providing appropriate feedback throughout the days-long sequencing process (from setup to monitoring and reviewing the run results).
The emerging field of genome research is small, highly specialized, and constantly changing. To develop a solution as quickly as possible, IDEO and LTC engaged in a radical form of collaboration that included rapid-fire prototyping and inviting LTC customers to participate. Analyzing both the system and users’ mental models, the team built a simple interface that elegantly organizes overwhelming amounts of data and empowers operators to be in greater control at every step of the gene-sequencing process.
The new sequencing system user interface—inspired by consumer-friendly UIs found on popular music-editing software programs—features a high-level overview of sample runs, so operators can collect high-quality data from samples, check on run times and the status of vital re-agent fluids, and see any errors at a glance. Other design innovations include a simple setup work flow, drag-and-drop interactions, the ability to multitask between setup and monitoring, and a biological control system that instructs operators how to recover from errors without real-time support.
The 5500 Genetic Analysis and 5500xl Genetic Analysis systems, which feature the new UI, launched in April 2011, making it to market less than a year after the project began. LTC is hopeful that the redesigned UI will provide a simple workflow for end users and minimize the support resources. According to Maria Mariano, LTC program manager, “We’ve already gotten feedback from our customers. They like how simple and intuitive the redesigned UI is and greatly appreciate the easy sample set up and the guided user attention during run monitoring.”
Developing a simpler, high-functioning user interface for genome-sequencing systems
Scientific knowledge about the nature of human genetic diversity has expanded exponentially over the past few decades. In particular, the ambitious international research effort 1000 Genomes Project has caught the world’s attention, as its scientists sequence the genes of at least 1,000 different people to create the most detailed catalogue of human genetic variation. Their work is enabled, at least in part, by the next-generation gene-sequencing machines manufactured by Life Technologies Corporation (LTC), a pioneering life sciences company whose goal is to help usher in a new era of personalized medicine.
LTC, which has an ongoing partnership with IDEO, asked our design team to help develop its next-generation gene-sequencing machine — which the company regards as a “second chance to make a first impression” on customers. Specifically, LTC tasked IDEO with developing a consistent user interface (UI) for its new DNA/RNA sequencing platform; establishing easy-to-understand work flows that enhance operator control; and providing appropriate feedback throughout the days-long sequencing process (from setup to monitoring and reviewing the run results).
The emerging field of genome research is small, highly specialized, and constantly changing. To develop a solution as quickly as possible, IDEO and LTC engaged in a radical form of collaboration that included rapid-fire prototyping and inviting LTC customers to participate. Analyzing both the system and users’ mental models, the team built a simple interface that elegantly organizes overwhelming amounts of data and empowers operators to be in greater control at every step of the gene-sequencing process.
Project date: 2009
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