DataCore: Introduction
DataCore’s SANsymphony product provides virtualized and software-defined block storage to computers that need it. It is administered through a Windows application installed on computers along with the product itself. The “console” began more than 10 years ago along with the product and has been added onto over time. It is a very powerful application, and with power comes complexity. Analyzing the console presented opportunities for better access, better data presentation, a less dated experience, and a strategy that would be beneficial as new features and functions were added to the base product.
This study was conducted starting January 2019, continuing through multiple product releases. I led a team of designers, developers, and documentation writers.
Before and After
After: DataCore Web Console
After: DataCore Insight Services
Problems identified
The original application had no way to identify problems in the system at a glance.
Multiple tree hierarchies contributed to the details area, making it difficult to understand where you were at any moment.
Actions spawned new tabs in at least two places. Cognitive load and confusion for new users is higher than necessary.
Object-based organization did not facilitate achieving user goals. Related functions were not necessarily grouped together.
Problems reported did not suggest how to fix them.
Configuration often requires multiple actions on multiple objects without smart defaults.
Business Goals
High-level goal: DataCore felt a modern web-based web console would increase sales.
Make administration easier to access
Increase observability of system state
Be easier to use for new customers and provide value for existing customers
