Overview
Flexible Reporting was a top customer request in MachineMetrics’ product-market-fit survey.
Objectives
Create a central report page for all reports.
Redesign controls, filters, and data tables for greater flexibility.
Add features for customizable grouping and user-permission-based access.
Include a date picker with quick links and contextual time ranges.
Improve charts and data visualization for clarity.
Design Exploration
I explored different solutions for organizing all the page elements. Additionally, I began to incorporate the machine icon that I previously designed for this project.
I implemented a sidebar with expanding/collapsing functionality and used it to categorize the controls section. Red, Green, and Orange (as in-fault, good, and warning) represent a particular status of a machine or a data item in MM app.
Report Configuration
Consolidated Data Selection: Rather than navigating multiple pages to pull metrics, users can now select high-level parameters (Utilization, Downtime, Effectiveness) in one place, complete with quick toggle controls and contextual tooltips.
Flexible Hierarchy & Grouping: Users can dynamically chain and reorder multi-level groupings (such as Machine and Job) or pull in secondary dimensions like Operator or Hour/Day/Week intervals without breaking their flow.
Precision Filtering: Complex data sets can be pinpointed right within the workflow using indexed search and categorized filter trees, letting users isolate specific jobs, machine types (e.g., CNCs, Lathes), or machine groups without switching contexts.
Supporting reusable workflows
Save report provided high value and it can also save a considerable amount of time for users.
Responsive Design
I explored slide controls before switching to horizontal scrolling for easier table navigation, with CTAs positioned at the bottom for better touch accessibility.
Making production data easier to interpret
I explored how to integrate charts into reports by understanding data generation, constraints, and the flexibility users needed across data types and units. I focused on making visualizations intuitive, meaningful, and easy to use.
In order to ensure accessibility and visual distinctiveness, I compiled a list of 12 colors that met these criteria within the given constraints.
Retro
I worked with cross-functional teams to make the report page more intuitive and improve the export experience with charts and a smoother workflow. Moving forward, I planned to explore ways to further optimize how users visualize and share their data.
