designer • leader • collaborator • innovator • problem solver
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Paired Kidney Exchange Web Tool
Project Overview: Implementing a Chain Matching Feature
This case study focuses on a key component of a paired kidney exchange tool: the Chain Matching Feature. The objective was to design and implement a new feature that could identify and visualize complex donation chains, which significantly expands the pool of potential matches for incompatible donor-recipient pairs.
My Role
As the Lead Product Designer for this feature, I was responsible for the entire design lifecycle, from initial discovery and analysis to the final delivery of the solution.
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DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS
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I began the project by immersing myself in the domain. I worked closely with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and the Product Manager to become knowledgeable about the Paired Kidney Exchange (PKE) program. I then conducted a heuristic analysis of the existing, outdated tool, which was found to be clunky and had significant usability issues.
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DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION
With a clear understanding of the problem, I led the design of the new feature. My key responsibilities included:
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Information Architecture: Defining the user flow for creating and managing chains.
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Algorithm Integration: Collaborating with engineers to ensure the new recursive matching algorithm was seamlessly reflected in the user interface.
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Visualization Design: Creating wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes for the new, intuitive Chain Diagram.
The Challenge
The core challenge wasn't a technical limitation in finding compatible chains, but a significant usability problem. The previous tool was clunky and outdated, making it extremely difficult for users to understand the complex multiple chains that were generated.
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This lack of clarity meant that transplant professionals couldn't effectively interpret or utilize the life-saving matches the system found. My goal was to build a robust system that could:
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Present complex data clearly, making chains easy to understand at a glance.
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Simplify the user flow for navigating and managing multiple potential matches.
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Provide an intuitive visual representation that empowered users to make informed decisions quickly and confidently.
The Solution: A Streamlined Chain Matching Feature
The final solution was a complete redesign that transformed a complex and clunky process into a user-friendly flow. This new tool empowered transplant professionals to create and manage donation chains with unprecedented efficiency.
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1. Chain Creation: Users can initiate a chain by selecting an initial incompatible pair. The system then automatically triggers a recursive algorithm that searches the entire database for compatible recipients and donors.​
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2. Dynamic Visualization: The redesigned interface features a Dynamic Chain Diagram that presents all critical information at a glance. Instead of clicking to find details, users can see key data for each pair directly on the diagram. For deeper analysis, users can click to view granular data like HLA markers (DIP, CPRA, A B C DR) without losing the context of the overall chain.
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3. Multiple Chains: The tool allows for the creation and management of multiple chains simultaneously, giving transplant teams a broader view of potential matches and enabling them to explore different scenarios side-by-side.​
The Design Process​
My design process was centered on creating an intuitive and efficient experience for transplant professionals.
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User Flow
I started by mapping the entire user flow for the new feature. This visual guide helped me define each step of the chain creation process, from selecting the initial pair to visualizing the final chain.
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High-Fidelity Prototypes
Using the user flow as a guide, I created high-fidelity prototypes that translated the complex logic of the chain matching algorithm into a simple and clear interface.
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The prototypes addressed key user needs, such as:
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A streamlined interface for initiating a new chain.
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A clear and interactive Chain Diagram that visualizes the connections between pairs.
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Easy-to-access information for each donor and recipient within the chain.
Figure: Run New Match Flow
The Old Design - PKE Run New Match Flow
Before the redesign, the Run New Match flow was a cumbersome, inefficient process. The clunky, outdated interface made it difficult to initiate a match, and the resulting data was poorly visualized. Crucial information was buried and complex donation chains were presented in a confusing, unintelligible manner. This lack of a clear, user-friendly flow created a major bottleneck, slowing down transplant professionals and hindering the life-saving process of finding a compatible kidney for a patient.
Run New Match Cycle Redesign
The redesign of the Run New Match Cycle replaced a cumbersome, manual process with a seamless and intuitive experience. Now, a user simply selects an incompatible pair to automatically initiate a powerful recursive algorithm. The results are no longer presented in a confusing list but as a dynamic and transparent Chain Diagram, empowering transplant professionals to explore multiple matches and make faster, more confident decisions.
New Match Cycle Results Page
Run New Match Cycle Flow - (Click slideshow to view full screen)
THE RESULTS
A Seamless, Life-Saving Platform
The redesign transformed a complex and cumbersome workflow into an elegant, intuitive experience. This new platform empowers transplant professionals with the tools to navigate intricate donation chains, ultimately accelerating the process and saving more lives.
1. Effortless Chain Creation: The design introduces a fluid, intelligent flow. Users can now initiate a chain by simply selecting an initial incompatible pair, and the system instantly and automatically runs a powerful recursive algorithm. This seamless process eliminates manual effort and allows professionals to focus on strategic evaluation.
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2. Dynamic and Transparent Visualization: We replaced the clunky interface with a dynamic Chain Diagram that provides unparalleled clarity. Instead of buried information, all critical data is presented at a glance. The diagram is also interactive, allowing users to delve into granular details like HLA markers (DIP, CPRA, A B C DR) with a simple click, all without losing the context of the larger chain.
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3. Strategic Oversight: The tool grants users the ability to create and manage multiple chains simultaneously. This feature offers a broader, more comprehensive view of all potential matches, empowering transplant teams to explore different scenarios and make faster, more confident, data-driven decisions.