PROJECT OVERVIEW

iManage creates work product management software that is accessible from any device, while maintaining security and enabling content to be transferrable to clients and partners.

TIME FRAME:  4 hours

TOOLS:  OmniGraffle, Sketch, Paper, Markers  

DELIVERABLES:  Visualized thinking and problem-solving process

 

THE PROBLEM

The user interface and overall usability of iManage's mobile app need an overhaul, especially when it comes to searching, and filtering.

 

THE GOAL

Visualize design-thinking and problem solving by rapidly go through the UX process to produce ideas and concepts that improve upon the original designs.

 

RESEARCH

 

Research consisted of three main phases:

1. Product Analysis

2. Interviews

3. Competitive Audit

 

Research time was obviously very limited, but I was determined to gain a better understanding on:

  • who iManage users are
  • what users needs & goals are


INTERVIEWS

Through some quick research on the web, I determined the main users of this software were primarily professionals working in the fields of law and finance.

Having had access to a couple of friends who practice law, I briefly learned how lawyers:

  • manage and organize documents
  • search and filter content
  • obtain and transfer content


INSIGHTS

1.  Lawyers seem to prefer first searching for a specific word or phrase, followed by whittling down the search results by adding filters. 

2. The main categories by which lawyers organize their content are:

  • Notes
  • Research
  • Documents
  • Pleadings

 

PRODUCT ANALYSIS

Users needs & goals when using iManage app: 

1. Users needs to organize content

2. Users needs to look for specific content

2. Users needs assistance to help refine their search

 

CURRENT PAINPOINTS:

 

 

First, the Interface contains a search bar, filter bar and a criteria function, making the act of searching and filtering unnecessarily complicated and uncoordinated.  

Next, there are too many search criteria, making the criteria bar stack too long, completely obstructing search results.

Lastly, when you add criteria, is also takes up nearly half the screen.

 

COMPETIVE AUDIT

I researched different how websites and apps organize information as well as handle search and filter User Interfaces in order to gain a better understanding on which methods are effective.

 

 

 

DESIGN DIRECTION

With the main research completed, I distilled a concrete design direction:

Design should facilitate users to search and filter with ease and efficiency, utilizing a system that aligns with users mental model.


IDEATION

My goal when ideating was to visualize an interface that allowed for intuitive search and filter function and simple content organization.

 

 

Through ideating and making iterations, I decided on my main design features:

 

1. Horizontal filter bar.  Why?

It allows the full width of the screen to be utilized without obstructions. It displays the filter criteria clearly, it's is easy to use, and is widely used among E-Commerce sites--making users feel comfortable.

 

2. Search Button on lower right corner.  Why?

Since searching content is a key feature in iMange, it was important to give the search function a prominent, unmistakable location. Also, this location aligns with Apple users mental model, as this is the same location the search button appears when typing on iPhones.

 

3. Filter Form for advanced searches.  Why?

Large data sets (that would often be found on a iManage user's device) can benefit from more advanced filtering and refinement options. 

 

4. "Apple Style" Layout.  Why?

This interface is highly intuitive, easy to use, and economic. In addition, a majority of users are familiar with using the native Email app, and/or Notes app on the iPhone. Therefore, this layout would align with user's mental model, enabling users to learn and use the iManage app easily. 

 

WIREFRAMES

 

 
 

FINAL VISUALS

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

This was an enjoyable yet challenging project due to my unfamiliarity with management software and iManage in general. 

 On a longer time-scale, I would engage in more in-depth research by creating and sending out focus-group surveys, conducting interviews, as well as usability testing, allowing me to iterate on the designs.