High Throughput Screening
Team & Roles
Client
Project Overview
High throughput screening is a systematic method used primarily in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science to rapidly evaluate a large number of samples or conditions. The main goal is to quickly identify promising candidates or valid data points that meet specific criteria.
The HiTS project is set to transform drug discovery by creating a streamlined and unified platform for matrix combination screening. Led by the NCATS Chemistry Technology team, this initiative aims to replace outdated tools, ensuring a secure and efficient screening process from start to finish.
18 Months
1000+ Screens
Web Application
Tools
— Problem Statement —
Traditional methods of finding new drug combinations and fragmented tools in outdated systems are becoming impractical with the growing number of approved and experimental drugs, which makes collaboration difficult for the NCATS Chemistry Technology team.
“How might we optimize existing tools to streamline workflows and enhance operational efficiency for the NCATS Team?”
Scope
Based on NCATS’ scope, functionalities have been consolidated to develop 16 tools in 3 applications: Explorer, CoMa Tools, and Data Loader.
My Role: I designed the HITS Explorer, Data Loader, and MSPG modules.
Project Timeline
Users
NCATS researchers and scientists are the key stakeholders/users relying on the platform to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of matrix combination screening.
Informaticians, the other key users, leverage data and technology to accelerate translational research, transforming raw data into actionable insights that improve health solutions. They play a key role in organizing, processing, analyzing, and interpreting the large quantity and variety of data generated in translational research.
Objectives
High throughput screening is a systematic method used primarily in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science to rapidly evaluate a large number of samples or conditions. In this context the goal of this project is to improve the drug discovery process by screening compound libraries to identify potential new drugs. The main goal is to quickly identify promising candidates or valid data points that meet specific criteria. Here are some key aspects:
Automation: Minimize manual labor by designing an automated system that can handle numerous samples simultaneously, significantly increasing efficiency compared to manual methods.
Parallel Processing: Multiple experiments or tests can be conducted at the same time, accelerating the screening process.
Data Collection: Advanced technologies and tools are employed to collect and analyze data across a large quantity of samples, providing insights more quickly.
Cost-Effective: By screening large volumes quickly, this method can reduce the overall costs associated with research and development.
Decision-Making: It aids in making informed decisions based on data-driven insights, allowing researchers to focus on the most promising candidates for further study.
This project is crucial for accelerating research processes and improving efficiency for drug discovery at NCATS.
The Solution
HiTS Explorer
Old Matrix Interface
The term "HTS matrix" generally refers to a high-throughput screening matrix used in drug discovery and biological research. It often involves testing a large number of compounds or samples in a systematic way to identify active agents or biological interactions.
Heuristic Evaluation Findings
Key Issues
Lack of visibility of system status, such as incomplete home page information and confusing loading indicators.
Inconsistencies and deviations from design standards, including repeated elements, mismatched sequences, and unclear navigation.
Issues related to user control and freedom, such as limited actions for selected items and difficulties in navigation.
Challenges with recognition and recall, such as missing sorting indicators and unclear search functionalities.
Concerns about aesthetic design and minimalist principles, including redundant information and cluttered layouts
Recommendations
Improve visibility of system status by implementing loading indicators and clear error messages.
Enhance consistency and adherence to design standards across all pages, ensuring uniformity in layout and navigation.
Provide users with more control and freedom by enabling additional actions for selected items and improving navigation options.
Enhance recognition and recall by adding sorting indicators and improving search functionalities for easier data retrieval.
Refine aesthetic design to prioritize essential information, minimize clutter, and ensure a visually appealing user interface.
New Design System
Interactive Prototype: HiTS Explorer
HiTS Explorer represents a recreational version of the matrix app and Single-agent app, offering enhanced functionality and a user-friendly design. Our focus has been on bridging the gap in exploratory research previously conducted using matrix, Single-Agent, and local scripts. This new explorer application allows users to seamlessly conduct all their exploratory research within a unified platform.
Takeaways
User Research is Fundamental: Understanding the target audience's needs, behaviors, and pain points is crucial. I was limited to conducting only secondary research and had to take insights from the clients, who are also users, to understand user needs and pain points.
Cross-Collaboration is key: Throughout the project I had close and consistent contact with Xi, the business analyst. I am beyond amazed by her level of organization. She followed up on each client meeting by delivering a list of design updates requested and that streamlined my design process by allowing me to just focus on designing and research when needed.
Clients are particular: One of the hardest parts of this project was convincing the client to rethink they way they’ve imagined certain features. Ex: A cart in a database when there is nothing being “checked out”
Iterative Design Process: There were so many iterations in the design, following my presentations to the client and their feedback and changes to the requirements.