Smart Omix – End-to-End Digital Clinical Research

1. Platform for Complexity and Scale

Problem

Researchers' needs ranged widely: some simple studies could be managed by a single person, while complex studies often required whole teams. Each member with distinct roles, responsibilities, and goals. We needed a flexible structure that could accommodate both ends of this spectrum and everything in between.

Solution

• I designed a phase-based navigation: Design, Launch, Manage, Analyze, mirroring research stages.
• Organized studies in "organizations" with layered permissions, making access and roles scalable.
• Built modular components for each phase: simple for new users, flexible for complex teams.

2. Managing Nonlinear Study Life Cycles

Problem

Studies rarely follow a straight line; phases often overlap. For example, while a study might be locked for IRB review or launched, researchers inevitably discover changes they need to make, even after locking. We needed a nuanced system that allowed users to lock and unlock studies as needed, while automatically managing all downstream workflow adjustments to keep everything in sync and error-free.

Solution

• Built a flexible state machine to switch easily between phases
• Clarified allowed actions at each stage to minimize confusion

3. Supporting New, Data-Rich Research

Problem

Switching to digital introduced new data types and uncertainty.

Solution

• Designed the platform to educate and encourage adoption of novel data through customizable study settings
• Used a layered information architecture: summarizing at a high level, with details available on demand
• Enabled researchers to preview the participant interface, so they could visualize what participants would see and better tailor the study design

4. Accessibility, Despite Complexity

Problem

Clinical research is inherently complex, but we wanted Smart Omix to be approachable for all researchers—regardless of their experience level. Our goal was to support both novices and experts by designing an intuitive, streamlined flow. We built in educational tools and context-sensitive guidance to help those who needed it, but ensured these resources were non-intrusive and wouldn't disrupt the workflow of experienced users.

Solution

• Layered Informational UI: Added an informational layer on top of the core UI, revealing helpful content and tips through context-sensitive triggers to support users when needed.

• Step-by-Step Mini Tasks: Broke complex study creation into mini tasks with stepped guidance at key moments, providing structure and direction while preventing users from getting overwhelmed.

• Ghosting Future Actions: Used ghosted previews of upcoming steps and options so users could stay focused on what's next, while building awareness of the overall process.

5. Building Transparency and Trust

Problem

Digital platforms can feel impersonal, so we focused on keeping researchers and participants connected. Traditionally, in-flight studies often behave like a black box: researchers have limited visibility and control once a study is underway. We wanted to change that by ensuring researchers could easily review progress and make necessary adjustments at any point, as well as reach out to participants if needed.

Solution

• Built in notifications and alerts so researchers could track progress and participant needs

• Created dashboards for actionable insight across participant groups

Execution Principles

Strong early product architecture, a cohesive vision, and disciplined synthesis of stakeholder input were key to scaling Smart Omix.