Syngenta
BioTrial UX design for Syngenta streamlines agricultural trials, enhancing efficiency and user experience to meet One Biology goals.
40%
Operation Efficiency
50%
User Engagement
20%
Cost Reduction
Overview
Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural science, embarked on a digital transformation journey to unify its fragmented trial management systems. This case study explores the UX design process that led to the creation of the BioTrial dashboard, a solution aimed at streamlining operations and enhancing user experience across Syngenta's diverse workforce.
Challenge
Syngenta faced several challenges:
Fragmented Systems:
Multiple, siloed platforms for managing agricultural trials created inefficiencies and data inconsistencies.Limited User Adoption:
Existing systems were complex and lacked user-friendliness, hindering user adoption and data accuracy.Global and Regional Needs:
The solution needed to cater to a global user base with regional variations in workflows and compliance requirements.Results
User Research and Analysis
The UX team conducted in-depth user research to understand the needs and pain points of various stakeholders:
Stakeholder Interviews:
Interviews with key personnel from different departments (Seeds, Crop Protection, Field Scientists, Data Analysts) provided insights into their workflows and challenges.User Interviews:
Interviews with field scientists across the globe (North America, Europe, APAC) explored their daily tasks, frustrations, and needs for a new trial management system.
Personas and Red Routes
Based on the research, user personas were developed to represent core user groups:
Field Scientist (Global):
Responsible for data collection, observations, and trial management tasks in the field. Needs a mobile-friendly solution with simple workflows.Data Analyst:
Analyzes trial data to support decision-making. Needs powerful filtering and reporting capabilities.Protocol Owner:
Defines trial protocols and ensures compliance. Needs flexibility for complex trial designs.
Red routes, representing critical user journeys within the system, were identified:
Conducting a Trial:
Define a trial, manage plots, collect data, and record observations.Planning a Trial:
Plan upcoming trials, assign resources, and manage budgets.Pollination Management:
Manage the process of plant pollination for seed production (relevant to the Seeds persona).
Design and Prototyping
The UX team iteratively designed and prototyped the BioTrial interface, focusing on:
Global Usability: A clean, intuitive interface with clear navigation and consistent workflows across all user roles.
Data visualization:
Interactive dashboards and reports for efficient data exploration and analysis.Mobile responsiveness:
Optimized interface for seamless use on tablets and mobile devices for field scientists.
User feedback was incorporated throughout the design process, ensuring the solution addressed their needs and workflows effectively.
Solution Implementation
The BioTrial dashboard was implemented as a centralized platform for managing all aspects of agricultural trials. Key features include:
Advanced Search:
Efficiently locate trials based on various criteria.Action Management:
Schedule and track actions related to trial activities.Data Capture:
Simplified data entry for observations, measurements, and notes.
Reporting and Analytics:
Generate comprehensive reports and visualize data trends.
Outcomes and Impact
BioTrial has yielded significant improvements in operational efficiency and user satisfaction:
40% Reduction in Report Generation Time:
Streamlined data capture and reporting capabilities save valuable time.50% Increased User Engagement:
A User-friendly interface fosters greater adoption and data accuracy.20% Decrease in Data Management Costs:
A centralized platform reduces data redundancy and improves data quality.
Conclusion
The BioTrial project demonstrates the power of user-centered design in transforming complex enterprise applications. By prioritizing user needs and incorporating global considerations, Syngenta achieved a solution that streamlines operations, empowers its workforce, and enhances data-driven decision-making across its global agricultural research efforts.
