NextGen Dashboard - Archer IRM

Explore Archer IRM's enhanced NextGen Dashboard, revolutionizing risk management with its intuitive interface and powerful features.

Overview

Archer IRM specializes in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) solutions, aiding organizations in managing operational risks, audits, and more. Our platform centralizes risk assessment and mitigation efforts, empowering informed decision-making.

Our goal was to redesign Archer's dashboard to enhance user experience and retention. The previous version, while functional, didn't resonate with users, impacting engagement.

Role

Lead UX Designer | Archer IRM

Design Strategy UX ResearchVisual Design Interaction Design

Research and Insights

To ensure the new dashboard meets user needs effectively, extensive research methodologies were employed:

User Feedback and Insights

  • User Interviews: Direct conversations with stakeholders revealed frustrations with the complexity of the previous dashboard and specific feature requests.

  • Surveys: Data collected from user surveys highlighted preferences for more interactive features, improved customization options, and streamlined workflows.

  • Usability Testing: Hands-on testing sessions identified pain points related to navigation, widget management, and accessibility challenges.

Key Findings

  • Complexity Issues: Users found the process of configuring and managing widgets on the old dashboard cumbersome and time-consuming.

  • Usability Concerns: Navigation was not intuitive, impacting user productivity and satisfaction..

  • Accessibility Needs: There was a strong demand for enhanced accessibility features to accommodate diverse user requirements, including support for keyboard navigation and screen readers.

We have undertaken comprehensive research efforts, all of which have yielded invaluable insights. Are you eager to delve deeper into our meticulous research process?

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Challenges of the Old Dashboard

The previous dashboard presented several challenges:

Widget Management:

  • Users struggled with setting up and customizing widgets effectively, leading to frustration and reduced efficiency.

Usability Issues:

  • Navigation was non-intuitive, complicating the user experience and hindering adoption rates.

Accessibility Limitations:

  • Insufficient support for accessibility features such as keyboard navigation and screen readers posed barriers for users with disabilities.

Solution Highlights

The NextGen Dashboard introduces several innovative features designed to address previous shortcomings and enhance user experience:

Intuitive Interface:

  • Drag-and-Drop Functionality: A central canvas allows users to easily drag and drop widgets, simplifying the customization process.

  • Contextual Menus: Intuitive menus provide quick access to editing and customization options, improving usability and efficiency.

Enhanced Flexibility:

  • Real-Time Editing: Users can edit and resize widgets in real-time, enabling dynamic data visualization and quick adjustments.

  • Guided Layout Options: Pre-defined layout templates and customization options ensure cohesive and visually appealing dashboard designs.

Accessibility Improvements:

  • Keyboard Navigation: Full support for keyboard shortcuts enhances accessibility, allowing users to navigate the dashboard efficiently.

  • Screen Reader Compatibility: Optimized for screen readers, ensuring all users can access and interact with dashboard content effectively.

  • High Contrast Themes: Enhanced readability with high contrast themes, catering to users with visual impairments.

Visual Designs

User-Centric Design Elements

Central Canvas:

  • Provides a spacious workspace for arranging widgets according to user preferences, promoting a personalized dashboard experience.

  • User shall be able to drag and drop elements(widgets) from one area to another

  • The elements (widgets) placed on the canvas can be resized, rearranged, or removed.

Contextual Menu:

  • Simplifies widget management with clear and accessible editing and customization options, enhancing user control and satisfaction.

  • The system should include a right panel that displays the properties of the selected widget.

  • When the widget is not selected on the canvas, the right panel displays the dashboard properties.

Visual Clarity:

  • Clear design elements and intuitive navigation paths improve readability and usability across diverse user groups.

  • User shall be able to drag and drop elements(widgets) from one area to another

  • The elements (widgets) placed on the canvas can be resized, rearranged, or removed.

Success and Learnings

The NextGen Dashboard has significantly enhanced user engagement.

Achievements

  • Improved Engagement: Initial feedback indicates increased user engagement and satisfaction with the enhanced dashboard interface.
  • Positive User Feedback: Users appreciate the improved usability, functionality, and visual appeal of the NextGen Dashboard.
  • Streamlined Workflows: Simplified processes for widget management and customization have contributed to enhanced productivity and user satisfaction.

Challenges and Iterative Development

  • Continuous Refinement: Iterative development cycles enabled the team to address evolving user needs and refine dashboard features effectively.
  • Collaborative Efforts: The success of the NextGen Dashboard can be largely attributed to the collaborative efforts between our development team, UX designers, and stakeholders. Regular workshops, feedback sessions, and cross-functional team meetings were crucial in aligning the dashboard’s development with user expectations and business goals.

Future Steps

  • Performance Metrics: Establishing and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge dashboard effectiveness and user satisfaction.
  • User Feedback Integration: Continuously incorporating user feedback to prioritize feature enhancements and usability improvements.
  • Global Accessibility: Expanding accessibility features and localization efforts to cater to a diverse global user base effectively.