Wireframing (May 2019)
Scenario: Background Checks
Our software team was tasked to add new UI elements to South Sound 911's Background Checks application, used by Records personnel to view and manage background check requests. The unique constraint was the customers' vertical monitor setup, which was important to their workflow and efficiency.
Goals
Identify the optimal way to add UI elements without expanding horizontally and while keeping modifications to the robust legacy code at minimum.
Process
I sketched three options based on different design conventions, provided pros/cons to each option, presented the options to the customer and project manager, and made a recommendation (option #2 in the sketch). My recommendation eliminated an existing column and added the checkbox, so the net effect was actually a narrowing of the layout.
Outcome
The customers appreciated being part of the design discussion, and together we reached a decision that met the constraints without sacrificing usability.