Revamping the UX of a data-driven productivity platform to make it easy to use for non-tech users

DataLexing needed a skilled UI/UX designer to make their platform more user-friendly

Being tech people, the founders of DataLexing initially handled all the design work themselves. But after learning about usability issues within their app, they realized that they lacked the expertise to address these problems properly and within preferred timelines.

That’s why they turned to Eleken for help.

• We work exclusively with SaaS companies.
• We have extensive experience in designing data products, ranging from engineering-driven solutions for data scientists to no-code applications for business users.
• We put users at the center of our design process while also considering business needs.

Overall, a perfect match. So, we quickly found the common ground with DataLexing and jumped onto the project to help refine their platform.

Rethinking the navigation to make quick but tangible UX improvements

Though DataLexing planned to revamp the whole platform, they understood it would take much time to design and then implement all changes. Still, they needed to give their existing business users instant improvements to their experience. One key aspect that could significantly enhance the overall UX was navigation.

• DataLexing previously had a sidebar navigation, but it was only visible on main pages like the home page, dashboards, charts, and queries.

• When users went deeper into the app, performing actions such as opening a specific dashboard, the sidebar would disappear, and they had to use a hamburger menu in the top right corner. However, this menu would also disappear if you scroll down the page.

This made it challenging for users to navigate the platform and reach their desired location. So we offered to introduce dynamic breadcrumbs. Unlike traditional static breadcrumbs that display a fixed path, dynamic breadcrumbs adapt and change based on the user's interactions and navigation within the app.

To implement this update quickly in the current DataLexing version, we didn't change the UI, focusing on the underlying logic instead. The new navigation currently looks like this, with the redesign still in progress:

And this is how it's intended to look in the final version:

Revamping the home page as the main area of confusion

During our initial conversation with DataLexing’s founders, they emphasized that their main concern was the home page.

Our home page is too technical. When business users without IT knowledge first enter the app, they simply get lost.

The home page of a data analytics platform is usually the user's initial entry point, aiming to offer a clear, engaging experience and serving as a gateway to key features. However, at DataLexing, it used to display a mere list of files, lacking visuals or charts. This resulted in confusion for new users who struggled to find their way forward.

The renewed home screen consists of

• A customizable dashboard that allows users to see a snapshot of their most important data. Users now have the ability to choose the charts they want to see according to their preferences.
• The list of available workspaces that provides access to various sections of the platform.
• A calendar that users can sync with any table within the app to keep track of the information most important to them.
• Recent activity that keeps users informed about changes or improvements.

Designing an efficient notification system that can handle large data volumes

DataLexing was created, in the first place, for big companies with hundreds of employees that operate huge amounts of data. However, the platform lacked a notification system, making it impossible for users to track changes across numerous boards and tables.

The problem was that if we let DataLexing notify users of every little change made, they would be overwhelmed with the information and there would be a high risk of missing important messages. So we suggested solving this problem with customization and automation.

• With the new design, users can customize their notification preferences by selecting specific conditions. For instance, they can receive notifications when a particular column status changes or when someone joins or leaves the workspace.

• We've also let users automate individual tables, offering pre-made templates and the ability to create customized conditions based on each their unique requirements.

Now users can be sure they won't overlook any critical updates in the continuous data flow.

Ensuring non-tech users will easily adopt DataLexing

Our client's primary goal was to make sure that non-tech users can interact effectively with the application. So, in addition to redesigning the platform, we collaborated closely with the DataLexing team to implement further measures aimed at achieving this objective.

• We created prototypes for usability testing to examine how quickly and easily users can navigate the product while completing various tasks.
• We composed a business proposal for potential clients that included each feature description with a visual representation.

• We designed user onboarding that allows DataLexing to give personalized help. Initially, the app requests some personal information from users, and based on this, it provides them with a specific table template. This approach ensures that users don't start with an empty workspace after signing up. Additionally, they receive a tutorial on the main functions of the app based on the selected table template.

The platform’s UX is now optimized for all types of users, allowing us to take the next steps in expanding DataLexing with new features

Our journey with DataLexing has brought about significant improvements, ensuring that users of all technical backgrounds can seamlessly navigate and benefit from the platform. Our redesign work is complete, and we are excited to see new DataLexing's vision come to life. We continue collaborating with the client's development team to implement the new designs and are actively working on designing additional features as part of the project's extension.

For example, we are currently designing an innovative AI feature that enables users to ask DataLexing questions related to data across various boards and tables.

With an optimized UX and a solid foundation in place, DataLexing is well-positioned to grow and evolve, catering to a broader audience and expanding its reach across the Gulf Cooperation Council region. The journey continues, and we look forward to helping DataLexing achieve even greater success in the future.