Improving UX in legacy systems

Working with legacy systems is a challenge that requires precision and a great deal of patience. Imagine dealing with a system that has been the backbone of daily operations in a company for over a decade. Users know it inside out, and each functionality, though sometimes outdated, is like a second language to them. Modernising such a system is a nearly heroic task.

When I took on this challenge, I focused on gradual, well-thought-out changes. It's crucial to ensure a smooth process, introducing new features in a way that gives users time to adapt. Regular feedback from users allowed me to continuously tailor solutions to meet their real needs. Legacy systems are often complex labyrinths where the only maps are the knowledge of advanced users and the experience of stakeholders. These stakeholders are usually the first to signal the need for change, but they are also the first to approach it with caution. Users, attached to old solutions, often view new proposals with skepticism, and stakeholders, expecting both old and new features, can be demanding partners in the conversation.

So how do you achieve success? The key lies in close collaboration and constant communication. From the very beginning, I engage key users, stakeholders, and experienced team members to collaboratively develop the best solutions. This approach builds trust, gains their support, and effectively implements UX changes to improve the work of our users. Through this process, everyone begins to see the importance of UX—not just in theory but, more importantly, in practice.

👏 Eliminating user frustration by fixing existing functionalities:

I redesigned key elements of the applications that had long been sources of user frustration. This not only restored comfort in users' daily tasks but also significantly improved the system's overall efficiency.

By increasing the intuitiveness of the interface, I brought hidden functionalities to the forefront, provided clear status updates for ongoing actions, and ultimately returned control to the users.

As a result, users could work faster and more confidently, knowing that the system was now working with them, not against them.

🤝 Optimising navigation and work efficiency:

I simplified navigation within the complex structures of the applications, enabling users to quickly find relevant windows and complete tasks more efficiently.

This optimisation was applied across five outdated applications, each with different designs and functionality, yet all interdependent. By unifying these elements, I eliminated the need for users to remember complex navigation paths, reducing cognitive load and preventing information overload.

Users can now move seamlessly between applications without being overwhelmed, leading to a significant boost in productivity.

🙌 Introducing new functionalities to old designs:

I successfully added new, slightly modern features to long-used systems, enhancing their value and efficiency without disrupting daily operations.

I maintained system consistency with what users were already familiar with, focusing on simplicity and clarity—crucial elements in a factory environment where precision down to the second is required. There was no room for flashy, modern features! Instead, I prioritised functionality that directly supported the users' needs, ensuring a smooth transition and immediate adoption.

👋 Gradual modernisation of legacy system interfaces:

I led a project to gradually modernize the user interface of legacy systems, balancing improved aesthetics and functionality while minimizing the risk of destabilizing the entire system.

This was a sensitive and delicate task, carrying the potential for numerous errors and user resistance.

I learned the importance of introducing changes in small, manageable steps rather than overwhelming users with a complete overhaul.

Not every user is eager for a sleek, modern design, even if it offers functional benefits. Approaching this project with empathy was key, ensuring that users felt supported and comfortable with the changes.

✍️ Redesigning filters: improving data search functions:

I redesigned filtering mechanisms, aligning them with other tabs on the page and reducing the space occupied by filters.

By utilizing previously unused white space, I made it possible for users to see all relevant information immediately upon accessing the page. This improvement allowed for direct access to search results without the need for scrolling, significantly enhancing work efficiency and streamlining the user experience.

🫶 Creating a cohesive Design System based on existing tools:

I developed a new, cohesive component system based on Telerik tools, which refreshed the interface and ensured a consistent look and feel across various applications within the company.

This design system not only unified the visual and functional aspects of the applications but also facilitated smoother collaboration between designers and developers.

By providing a reliable and consistent framework, I helped streamline the development process and ensured that the user experience remained intuitive and harmonious across all platforms.