SwiftArrayStudio
Touchscreen UI for
Scientific Instrumentation
Prepared for:
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Software Design | Product UX + UI
DISCLAIMER: The work shown in this case study is for an unreleased product; some details have been omitted, and some images and content have been altered and/or obscured. Opinions presented are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Thermo Fisher Scientific. For more information, please contact me via email at clara.e.leet@gmail.com.
Project Overview
About
The Product
SwiftArrayStudio (SAS) is an upcoming next generation research instrument developed by Applied Biosystems via Thermo Fisher Scientific. Its purpose is to provide a complete, integrated research solution for low to mid throughput customers performing research for genotyping and reproductive health.
The Company
Thermo Fisher Scienfitic is a global supplier of analytical instruments, life sciences solutions, specialty diagnostics, laboratory, pharmaceutical and biotechnology services. Their mission is to enable their customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer.
The Team
For this project I collaborated closely with other UX designers, software engineers, application scientists, field service technicians, industrial designers, and product owners.
My role
I provided comprehensive UX & UI design for SAS's 12” embedded touchscreen user interface (eUI), focusing on accessibility and user needs in addition to meeting business requirements.
Key Contributions
Designed and prototyped accessible touchscreen interaction controls for pan/zoom features in Figma.
Contributed to the corporate design system, including new components, auditing existing assets, and creating new guidelines for technical illustrations.
Built a modular illustration system for instructional screens, resulting in a 60% reduction in development costs and enabling rapid code generation of over 1000 unique visuals.
Led UX scoping sessions with cross-functional stakeholders in an Agile environment to define requirements, design goals, and user stories.
Delivered UI mockups for over 200 screens and 18 user stories, including edge cases.
Highlights
A modernized experience
Before
SAS’s predecessor was operated entirely via a desktop application which was not always near the instrument, lacked an intuitive interface, and was difficult for primary users to navigate and use.
After
SAS represents a new era of product experience design that prioritizes the needs of primary users, and accessibility for physical hardware and the touchscreen interface.
SAS is the only microarray analyzer with an integrated user touchscreen.
Design System Flagship
SAS will set the standard for all of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s future embedded UI products by serving as a flagship for a brand new corporate design system. The goal of this design system is to provide a unified product experience that is scalable across all products and emphasizes unique user accessibility requirements.
UI components were built on atomic design principles, created and managed using Figma software. Variables (aka Tokens) were instrumental in creating new Light and Dark mode color schemes.
