Spectrophotometer App

Elevating Usability for Medical and Scientific Labs

Overview

Thermo Fisher Scientific partnered with us to reimagine the user interface of their next-generation spectrophotometer—a critical device used in laboratories for precise sample measurement. Transitioning from a legacy 7” embedded interface to a robust desktop application, the goal was to deliver a modern, intuitive experience for lab technicians and researchers—while maintaining the rigor of scientific measurement and regulatory compliance.

Challenges

The existing software was dated and limited in both usability and extensibility. Technicians struggled with constrained layouts, fragmented workflows, and minimal integration with other lab systems.

With the shift to a connected desktop experience, the new design needed to:

Improve workflow efficiency and reduce training time
Preserve measurement integrity and guide best practices
Support modular hardware configurations (e.g., sample feeders)
Scale consistently across multiple devices and lab environments
Ensure that users familiar with the legacy embedded device version would not feel alienated by the new interface

All of this had to work within the constraints of dimly lit, highly regulated labs—supporting gloved interaction, multitasking, and user roles with varying levels of scientific expertise.

Our Approach

Understanding the unique requirements of lab professionals, we developed a UI that not only simplified interactions with the spectrophotometer but also embedded standardized processes into the workflow. This was critical to ensuring that every test or experiment followed an established methodology, minimizing variability and improving the reliability of results.

We began with immersive research:

Interviews with lab technicians and stakeholders across multiple global sites
Legacy software analysis to understand existing workflows and user habits
Simulated lab procedures using prototype hardware to observe real-world usage

Key insights included:

Users often operate multiple devices simultaneously; workflows had to support non-linear task progression
High-contrast visuals and large click/touch targets were essential for low-light and PPE-constrained environments
Novice users needed step-by-step guidance, while experienced users required faster access to controls

User Personas

Lab Technicians

As one of the primary user personas, lab technicians required a UI that would guide them through each step of the testing process, enforcing adherence to standardized protocols. This was a core requirement to minimize human error and streamline workflows—especially when managing multiple experiments simultaneously.

Researchers

As another core persona, researchers required a UI that enabled them to configure custom parameters for tests while still aligning with institutional lab standards. This requirement ensured flexibility for advanced experimentation without compromising consistency across scientific procedures.

Lab Managers

As a critical supervisory persona, lab managers required visibility into testing activity, user actions, and system status across devices. This role demanded intuitive dashboards and reporting tools to monitor compliance, ensure protocol adherence, and manage lab throughput efficiently.

The Solution

We designed a modular, responsive desktop UI tailored to real-world scientific workflows. The interface balances innovation with familiarity—ensuring continuity for legacy users while introducing major usability improvements. Notable features:

Task-Oriented Workflows

Step-by-step guidance for core procedures (e.g., blacking, sampling, referencing) ensures scientific accuracy and regulatory compliance. A key differentiator of this project was the need to enforce experiments and test methodologies within the app’s design. By building structured workflows into the UI, we ensured that users adhered to best practices automatically. The app provided prompts and reminders throughout the process, helping lab professionals follow standardized methods while still allowing for flexibility in data input and analysis.

Modular Architecture

Easily accommodates different hardware modules and configurations without overcomplicating the interface. The UI also supports setup and control of various peripheral devices, such as sample feeders, expanding the system’s flexibility and enabling seamless device integration from a single application

Accessibility &  Lab-Readiness

In environments where precision is non-negotiable, we focused on visual clarity for presenting complex data. The app’s design allowed lab professionals to view results and trends at a glance, with clear, structured data visualization. This made it easier to identify key insights, helping researchers make informed decisions faster.

Progressive Disclosure

The UI was built with the goal of improving productivity and reducing operational errors. By embedding best practices into the workflow and reducing unnecessary complexity, lab professionals could focus on their core tasks, confident that the app would guide them through critical steps. This design minimized disruptions while enhancing overall lab efficiency.

Scalable Design System

Delivered a reusable Figma-based system now used across various Thermo Fisher apps, improving consistency. Shared workflows and interface patterns across products make it easier for users to work with multiple TFS devices, streamline maintenance, and support ongoing scalability. Our designs are easily expandable, enabling rapid integration of new features and paving the way for long-term platform evolution.

Results

The Spectrophotometer App UI/UX ensures that lab professionals can work efficiently while maintaining strict adherence to experimental methodologies. With features that facilitate the management of multiple tests, clear data presentation, and enforced best practices, the app significantly improves lab productivity, accuracy, and reliability.

Need a Lab-Ready App That Supports Best Practices?

Let’s discuss how we can help you design a custom solution that supports standardized processes while enhancing user efficiency. Contact us today to get started.