Rosct | My Site 1

Project Overview

Project: Rosct Software UI/UX Redesign
Institution: Fraunhofer IIS / Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Role: UX Researcher & Designer
Timeline: 6 month
Objective: Enhance usability and efficiency by redesigning a complex industrial CT scanner software to support both expert and beginner users.

The Challenge

The existing Rosct software faced:

A steep learning curve for new users.
A cluttered interface with too many visible controls.
Inefficient workflows due to poor information hierarchy and navigation.
Poor onboarding for beginners.

My Process

I applied a human-centered design process, following the Double Diamond model: Discover → Define → Develop → Design → Deliver

Final Prototype for Assistant Mode:

Discover Phase

The Discover phase was all about building a deep understanding of the real user needs, context, and pain points of the Rosct industrial CT scanner software. Because this is a highly technical tool used by different types of users, I combined qualitative user research with comparative analysis of similar software.

Research Methods

1. User Interviews
I conducted one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with two main user groups:

Expert users (experienced researchers and CT operators)
Beginner users (students, trainees, or new hires)

This ensured I captured the full range of workflows, frustrations, and goals. The interviews were structured around key questions like:

“Describe your daily experience using the Rosct software.”
“Which parts of the UI help you the most?”
“What features confuse or slow you down?”
“What would make it easier for you to do your tasks?”

This method allowed me to gather rich qualitative data and dig deeper with follow-up questions.

2. Heuristic Evaluation
I performed a heuristic review of the existing Rosct UI based on usability principles such as:

Visibility of system status
Consistency and standards
Error prevention
Flexibility and efficiency of use

This helped me identify areas of clutter, inconsistent labels, hidden functions, and inefficient workflows.

3. Competitive Benchmarking
I conducted a competitive analysis by studying four comparable CT software solutions:

datos|X acq
Volex6
Volex10
WinWerth
Lumafield

I spoke with experienced users who had used these tools to find:
Which usability patterns worked well (like fixed toolbars or guided steps)
Which design pitfalls to avoid (like cluttered panels, outdated visuals, or unclear icons)

I summarized each tool’s strengths and weaknesses, mapping them to Rosct’s context to inspire improvements.

Define Phase

Affinity Mapping to find recurring themes.

Personas for distinct user groups :

Problem Statement:

“The Rosct software’s complex interface impedes efficient operation for both beginners and experts, reducing productivity and increasing the learning curve.”

Design Goals:

Reduce visual clutter.
Create a dual-mode interface (Beginner & Expert).
Add automated guidance to simplify tasks.
Improve visual hierarchy & consistency.

Develop Phase

Turning Research Into Action

In the Develop phase, I translated all the insights and defined goals into practical design deliverables that bridge the gap between user needs and final implementation.

Key deliverables included:
User Flows — mapping step-by-step actions to achieve tasks smoothly.
Information Architecture — organizing controls logically to reduce complexity.

I defined two detailed user flows to match the scenarios:

Assisstant Mode Flow

Expert Mode Flow

Design Phase

The design phase focused on transforming insights from earlier phases into tangible UI/UX improvements for the rosct CT software. Key goals included:

1. Decluttering the Interface

The original interface was overloaded with too many buttons and options.
The redesign proposed tabbed menus to hide advanced settings by default and improve clarity.

2. Making the UI Beginner-Friendly (Assistant Mode)

A guided step-by-step experience was created for novice users.
Pre-configured settings and automation reduced the need for technical expertise.
Simple, intuitive labels like Move Up and Zoom In replaced technical terms such as TX, TY, and TZ.

3. Visual Consistency

Standardized sizes, colors, and placements for buttons.
Improved visual hierarchy: primary actions made more prominent, secondary actions clearly distinguishable.

4. Improved Image Manager

The non-intuitive “Set” button was removed.
Checkboxes were introduced for easier image selection.
Fewer rows were displayed to reduce visual clutter.

5. Wireframing with Figma

Developed wireframes for both beginner (Assistant Mode) and expert users.
Assistant Mode included:
- Auto Scan: With auto-positioning and parameter optimization (magnification, spectrum, exposure time).
- Simplified controls and feedback (e.g., “No problem detected” messages).
- Real-time scanning feedback using progress bars and success confirmation messages.
Manual Scan: Allowed user-defined scan parameters like voltage and current.

Wireframe of First Iteration

Mode Selection:
Users first choose between Easy Mode and Expert Mode. Easy Mode offers a guided, step-by-step interface for beginners, while Expert Mode provides detailed controls for advanced users.

Auto Scan Setup (Easy Mode):
In Easy Mode, users are guided through a simplified Auto Scan process:

Move to Part Loading Position: Automatically moves the setup for easy part placement.
Move to Part FFC Position: Positions the part for flat-field calibration to correct sensor inconsistencies.
Move to Scan Position: Aligns the part optimally for precise CT image capture.

The system automatically adjusts parameters like the angle of maximum attenuation, ensuring high-quality imaging with minimal user input.

Adjust Position:
Simple terms like Move Up, Move Down, Zoom In, Zoom Out, Standard, and Offset replace technical terms (TX, TY, TZ), making positioning intuitive and beginner-friendly.

A “No problem detected” message confirms the scan ran smoothly without errors.

Manual Scan Mode:
For advanced users, Manual Scan offers full control over parameters like voltage (kV) and current (mA). A toggle allows users to optimize settings before starting the scan. After completion, the system shows the save path, simplifying file management—especially helpful for beginners.

Progress and Feedback:
During scanning, real-time messages like “Scanning” and “Optimizing” are shown with progress bars. After completion, a “Scan Successful” message appears, with options to review, repeat, or confirm the scan.

In the second iteration of the Rosct software, the "Manual" and "Auto Scan" modes were merged due to their similarity. Instead, users now see the key Auto Scan steps—magnification, spectrum, and exposure time—displayed transparently. This change simplifies the interface, builds user confidence, and enhances the experience, especially for beginners, by providing insight without adding complexity. Wireframes of this iteration are shown below.

Wireframe of Second Iteration

Auto Scan Improvements
This version introduces several key enhancements:

Button Placement: Critical actions like "Xray ON" and "Start Scan" are grouped at the top for easier access and reduced cognitive load.
Simplified Flow: Steps like "Move to scan position" and "Find angle of maximum attenuation" are clearly labeled and sequenced.
Parameter Control: Sliders for real-time voltage and current adjustments provide intuitive feedback.
Histogram Feedback: A histogram view helps assess exposure and contrast for better image quality.
Position Adjustment: Sliders for "Zoom," "Move," and "Offset" include clear labels and measurements.
Visual Hierarchy: Improved layout highlights important actions and reduces clutter.

The scan process and "Scanned Successfully" steps remain unchanged.

Wireframe of "Rosct" Expert Version

the update of the expert version of Rosct are:

Unified Toolbars: Support tools like “Lock All” and “Settings” grouped per section for clarity.
Cleaner Display: Voltage/current/power values removed; replaced with filter dropdown.
Advanced Switch: Hides rarely used functions in the Sequence section.
Focused UI: Frequently used features (exposure, averages) made more visible; others moved to settings.
Consistent Toolbar Design: Tools like Save and Live View placed in section-specific toolbars.
Hidden Image Manager: Icon added to toolbar to reduce clutter.
Optimized Tool Placement: Scanning tools placed beside the image based on user feedback.
Image Tools: Added icons for tiling, ruler, line, rectangle, histogram, LCE, and grid overlay.
Dropdowns for Actor Tools: Reduces scroll and screen clutter.
Progress Indicators: Circular bars show real-time sequence completion.

high fidelity Wireframes

High-fidelity wireframes replaced low-fidelity ones. “Maximum Attenuation Angle” was moved for easier access, and the three-step intro was removed to show all scan parameters directly. A single active “Configure Scan” button guides the user, simplifying interaction and improving usability.

You can see the final prototype of Assistant Mode with all the changes here

UI KIT for Assistant Mode

You can see the final design of Expert Mode with all the changes here :

UI KIT for Expert Mode