In terms of IT, design means much more than just creating visuals for a digital solution. Specifically, while the concepts of UX and UI design have long been familiar to anyone who is at least a little involved in software product development, the "product design" term is a relatively new one. Based on its name, we can already make a preliminary conclusion that the work of product designers involves something more than creating a visual for a product, but what exactly? Let's figure it out right now.
What Is UX Design?
UX design is everything that is aimed at the end user getting a certain experience/impression from interacting with the interface of your solution. Its quality can be measured by whether the user manages to achieve the specific goal, and how easy and pleasant it is for him/her.
Usually, the UX design process includes the following stages:
End-user research;
Building information architecture;
User flow creation;
Creating visuals;
Ensuring the convenience and accessibility of the created solution.
Let's dwell on these stages in more detail.
Key Elements of UX Design
So, below we will consider the above stages (elements).
End-user research. It all starts with a survey of the target audience representatives to understand their needs, desires, and pain points. Then they are provided with raw prototypes for testing so that specialists can identify typical problems and imperfections in their concepts.
Building information architecture. The next step of UX product development is to build low-fidelity wireframes that demonstrate the hierarchy of the product’s elements and functions. After that, designers build an information architecture, which implies dividing the content into categories that simplify the search for information.
User flow creation. Now, everything is ready to recreate the sequence of steps that the user must take to achieve the goal with the help of a specific product. After the main steps are reproduced, microinteractions have to be implementedwe mean system feedback that improves the quality of the user experience. Additionally, the product is analyzed in accordance with the WCAG 2.0 guidelines—this is necessary for its accessibility for people with disabilities.
Creating visuals. At this stage, specialists create the visual part of the user interface including the color palette, icons, typography, etc., and also ensure consistency with the previously created templates.
Ensuring the convenience and accessibility of the created solution. To assess the convenience of the created solution, designers usually use a heuristic approach. Also, they check compliance with the required WCAF 2.0 level. If significant deficiencies are detected, the product is returned for optimization.
Why Is UX Design Important?
UX design services are primarily focused on ensuring end-user satisfaction with the product—that is, it means that the product is comfortable to use and intuitive, and, in general, allows users to quickly complete the tasks assigned to it. In the long term, a properly created UX design can provide a boost in business revenue, an expansion of its consumer base, an increase in competitive advantage, a reduction in the expenses on regular business operations, and many other things. Ultimately, it is important to understand that all this is a necessary but not sufficient condition for the product success.
UX vs. UI Design
Many people don’t understand the user experience vs design difference. However, while UX product design is aimed at creating a positive user experience when interacting with a product, the UI design is about creating a certain, aesthetically attractive appearance and conveying specific feelings to the end user through it.
What Is Product Design?
Now, let's talk about product design: it is a much more comprehensive term than UX and UI design. It ensures that users do not just enjoy dealing with a specific software solution—instead, they should help the owner of this solution achieve specific business goals through this interaction.
Key Elements of Product Design
To better understand the product design vs UX design difference, we suggest, as in the previous case, to consider the key stages of the first term.
Planning. It starts with comprehensive market research: analyzing its trends, identifying competitors’ advantages and disadvantages, defining the target audience, etc. After that, specialists must align the client's business goals with the collected information and develop a product roadmap (this is performed in collaboration with other project team members).
Ensuring end-user focus. Now, having information about the target audience at hand, specialists can create user personas by using their demographics, behavioral patterns, pain points, needs, etc. After that, they begin to build user flows and optimize them through testing.
Interface design. This stage of the product design process involves creating medium-fidelity prototypes that not only describe user interactions with individual interface components but also contain microinteractions and visual detailing.
Interaction with the project team. Typically, product designers work in teams that work according to the cross-functional methodology—here, they are encouraged to work closely with specialists from other areas. This allows them to reach alignment on goals and their achievement. At this stage, they use prototypes, which, as their details are agreed upon, specialists optimize into a full-fledged product design.
User feedback analysis and optimization. Finally, the completed solution is presented to end users (depending on the stage of development, these can be representatives of a focus group or real users) to obtain and process their feedback. After that, the obtained insights are gradually implemented through optimization of the presented version.
Why Is Product Design Important?
Its importance is hard to overestimate: product designers collaborate with other members of the project team throughout its life cycle, thereby ensuring the joint achievement of the goals set by its owner. Even though, as in UX design, the convenience of the user’s interaction with the product also plays an important role, it is perceived as something more global—something that is aimed at solving specific problems within one business.
UX Design vs. Product Design: the Differences
From all of the above, we can conclude that the main goal of product design services is to create a comprehensively successful product: that is, one that surpasses its competitors in some way and satisfies the client's business needs, the specifics of their business niche, the needs of the target audience, market trends, etc. This, in turn, imposes on product designers the need to participate in all stages of product development.
As for UX design, its task is to make the product user-oriented, without covering or only partially covering the business aspects declared by the product owner. Thus, without thinking about the need for product design and implementing the UX design stage only, you can lose sight of the factors that hinder the long-term product’s viability on the market (in particular, this often happens with startups and projects with a non-standard approach to solving ordinary problems).
Conclusion
Now, knowing the difference between the two above concepts, you can understand who exactly your team needs—a UX/UI service provider or a product designer. Whichever option is closer to you, you can always contact us, and we will select a specialist according to your project requirements or assemble a team that will accompany you from collecting project requirements to its launch and optimization.
Medical device software now drives the core of digital health. AI powers diagnostics, IoT connects patients to providers, and real-time data shifts care from reactive to predictive. According to recent statistics, the global SaMD market is projected to grow from $2.77 billion in 2024 to $52.87 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.4%. The U.S. advances rapidly with FDA pathways designed for speed, while Europe maintains a GDPR-compliant digital health infrastructure, holding a 30% global market share.
Nevertheless, the future is bright for SaMD; it has benefits and challenges. Let's dive into the meaning of medical device software development, including the steps and types.
What Is Medical Device Software Development?
Medical device software development refers to designing, creating, testing, and maintaining software that is integral to the functionality of medical devices or operates as a standalone medical device. This software must meet strict regulations for safety and accuracy, including those from the FDA, MDR, and ISO 13485.
Who Benefits from Medical Device Software Development
Demand for medical device software spans many sectors. Let's explore the industries leading the way.
Healthcare Providers
Real-time patient data helps providers make sharper decisions and diagnoses. Automation reduces manual errors and allows staff to focus on care. AI and IoT add efficiency and enable remote, personalized treatment. This delivers faster, safer care while cutting costs.
Medical Device Manufacturers
Medical device manufacturers use software to automate quality control and ensure compliance with regulations. Real-time monitoring reduces errors and helps make proactive adjustments. Scalable updates future-proof devices, while ERP systems improve supply chains, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market.
Pharmaceutical Companies
Pharma firms cut trial costs via wearables, automate drug production with digital batch records, and monetize AI-powered SaMD apps that improve adherence. Real-time monitoring speeds up approvals, while AI-driven data tailors therapies and unlocks revenue from digital treatments and SaaS models, sharpening efficiency and market edge.
Telemedicine Providers
Telemedicine thrives in video conferencing and remote monitoring, particularly in underserved areas. Yet, it needs specialized software to connect with medical devices for remote diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Modern medical device software improves access to care, diagnostic accuracy, patient engagement, and chronic disease management while also helping reduce hospital readmissions.
Biotech Companies
Biotech companies use medical device software to process complex biological data, speed up drug discovery, and perform diagnostics. Custom tools automate tasks while ensuring compliance with FDA and HIPAA regulations, reducing risk. The result? This tech drives innovation, cuts costs, and accelerates the development of market-ready biotech products.
Clinical Research Organizations (CROs)
CROs gain efficiency and accuracy through automated data handling in device trials. Better data management and real-time monitoring improve trial quality and speed. This leads to faster market entry, reduced costs, and ensured regulatory compliance.
Research and Development Laboratories
Medical device software transforms R&D labs. Thus, teams automate tasks, use AI for sharper data analysis, and lock in compliance from day one. As a result, labs hit faster diagnostics, therapies, and disease control breakthroughs without slowdowns.
Advantages of Software Development for Medical Devices
Software is the new heartbeat of healthcare, making devices smarter, faster, and more efficient. Better outcomes and lower costs are just the beginning. Discover the full positive impact below.
Increased diagnostic accuracy
Medical device software improves diagnostic precision through advanced data analysis techniques. Algorithms detect subtle patterns humans might miss, especially in imaging and laboratory results. Machine learning models continually refine their accuracy by analyzing millions of patient cases, significantly reducing error rates.
In practice, whole-slide imaging in digital pathology achieves a diagnostic concordance of 96.5%, matching that of traditional light microscopy. AI models like GPT-4 show pooled diagnostic accuracy of 52.1%, on par with non-expert physicians but still below experts by 15.8%
Process automation
Automation eliminates repetitive tasks, reduces errors, and allows medical staff to focus on patients. The software handles everything from scheduling to medication management, reducing costs while boosting efficiency. Hospitals report significant time savings and happier staff after implementing automated systems.
Real-time patient monitoring
Connected devices track vital signs without constant staff presence. The software alerts doctors when readings breach safe thresholds for immediate intervention. This capability saves lives in ICUs and helps patients with unpredictable chronic conditions.
Integration with medical systems
Medical software integrates with hospital databases, electronic health records, and laboratory systems. This eliminates data silos and ensures all providers see complete patient information. System interoperability reduces duplicate data entry and lowers the risk of transcription errors.
For instance, integrated medical software reduces duplicate data entry by 30% and transcription errors by over 50%. Hospitals with connected EHR and lab systems report a 25% boost in care coordination and faster clinical decisions.
Regulatory compliance
Built-in audit trails, access controls, and encryption protect patient data while meeting legal medical device software standards. These safeguards prevent costly violations and data breaches that damage trust and finances.
Flexibility and scalability
Medical software adapts to changing needs through modular design and cloud deployment. Solutions scale from single clinics to hospital networks without performance loss. Providers start with core functions and expand as requirements evolve.
Remote access and telemedicine
Telemedicine breaks geographical barriers to healthcare delivery. Remote monitoring enables home recovery while maintaining professional oversight. These systems maintain care continuity during emergencies when facilities reach capacity.
Cost reduction
Software-driven automation delivers significant savings through improved efficiency. Predictive maintenance prevents equipment failures and reduces downtime. Digital transformation reduces administrative overhead, with hospitals reporting a 30% decrease in operational costs.
Improved user experience
Intuitive interfaces cut training needs and boost adoption among medical staff. Human-centered medical device software design makes complex technology accessible to everyone. Patient apps improve treatment adherence with simple instructions and timely reminders.
Support for analytics and AI
Analytics transform medical data into actionable insights for treatment. AI identifies high-risk patients before acute episodes occur. Machine learning models continually improve with new clinical data, keeping recommendations updated with medical advances.
Key Aspects to Consider in Medical Device Software Development
Medical device software revolutionizes healthcare, but building it is no walk in the park. From regulations and compatibility to testing and ongoing maintenance, the stakes are high, and the margin for error is zero in medical device software development. Here's what matters most and saves lives.
Meeting Regulatory Standards
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Developers must navigate a maze of standards from bodies like the FDA or EMA, which classify software based on risk and dictate the approval process. Whether it's a 510(k) or a PMA, getting them wrong can result in costly delays or outright rejection. Stay updated, plan for compliance from day one, and document everything—regulators love paperwork.
Ensuring Data Security and Privacy
Medical software handles sensitive patient data, which makes security a top priority. Encryption, secure authentication, and regular audits are must-haves to protect against breaches. HIPAA and GDPR aren't just guidelines—they're the law. One misstep can lead to hefty fines and a PR nightmare, so lock it down.
Designing for Usability and User-Centered Experience
If your software design for medical devices isn't user-friendly, it's a liability. Engage with doctors, nurses, or patients early and often to design interfaces that reduce errors and fit seamlessly into their workflows. Accessibility isn't optional—it's essential. A confusing UI can lead to misdiagnoses or delays, so make it intuitive and easy to use.
Ensuring Compatibility with Healthcare Systems
The software never lives in a vacuum. It must comply with EHRs, LIS, or PACS, using standards like HL7 or DICOM. Since interoperability isn't just a buzzword—it's how data flows smoothly in healthcare—build with flexibility in mind. Systems change, and your software should keep up.
Implementing Effective Risk Mitigation
Risk management is baked into medical software development. Use frameworks like ISO 14971 to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls to manage them. Plus, tools like FMEA help catch issues before they become disasters. In this field, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Thorough Testing and Quality Validation
From unit tests to clinical validation, every layer counts. Rigorous validation, covering unit, integration, system, and user acceptance testing, helps catch defects early. Include performance, security, and interoperability checks. Pay attention to documenting everything: regulators will demand proof.
Ongoing Maintenance and Software Enhancement
Launch day is just the beginning. Bugs, security patches, and new features require constant attention. Set up a robust post-market surveillance plan to catch issues early. Your software should evolve with healthcare, not fall behind.
Types of Medical Device Software
Based on hardware and regulatory integration, medical device software falls into two primary categories:
Embedded Software for Medical Systems (EMSSW)
This type of software is an integral part of medical devices, such as pacemakers, infusion pumps, and imaging machines. Embedded systems control device functions, ensuring they operate safely and effectively. It is not standalone software like desktop or mobile apps, and it cannot function without the hardware of the medical device.
Examples of Embedded Software for Medical Systems (EMSSW) are:
Pulse oximeters.
Smart bio-sensors.
Glucometers.
Electronic blood pressure sensors.
Medical imaging devices, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Standalone Software as a Medical Device (SaMD)
Standalone Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) performs a medical function independently of dedicated hardware. Think algorithms spotting heart issues in ECGs or apps managing diabetes. Regulated by the FDA and EU MDR, it operates on phones, laptops, or clouds, slashing costs and supercharging care delivery.
Examples of Standalone Software as a Medical Device (SaMD):
Patient imaging or scan analysis.
Remote ECG-monitoring.
MRI Viewing applications.
Steps in Medical Device Software Development
When lives depend on technology, there's no room for error. Follow the steps of medical device software development grounded in timeless principles: safety, usability, and trust.
Comprehend Regulatory Standards
Compliance encompasses global frameworks such as IEC 62304 (software lifecycle management) and ISO 13485 (quality management), as well as regional mandates, including FDA design controls in the U.S. and MDR/IVDR in the EU. Data privacy laws, such as HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in the EU, govern the handling of patient information. Developers must integrate these standards early, ensuring risk management, usability testing, and documentation meet audit requirements. A deep understanding of these rules prevents costly delays and ensures software reliability in clinical settings.
Conduct Market Research and Identify User Needs
Research market trends and competitors to define your software's unique value. To gather user needs, engage stakeholders, such as clinicians, patients, and administrators, through interviews or surveys. Translate these into clear use cases and functional requirements aligned with clinical workflows.
Select an Experienced Development Partner
Choose a development partner with proven expertise in medical device software and IEC 62304 compliance. Ensure they understand relevant regulations, such as FDA or EU MDR, and can support submissions and audits. Verify their technical skills in areas such as embedded systems or AI, and confirm that they follow rigorous testing protocols. Prioritize clear communication and strong project management to meet your timeline and goals.
Development and System Integration
Adopt an iterative development approach, such as Agile, tailored to IEC 62304 to balance flexibility and traceability. Design a modular software architecture for scalability and integration with hardware or external systems, such as EHRs, using standards like HL7 or FHIR. Follow secure coding practices and document code for compliance. Integrate software with hardware or APIs, then conduct thorough verification and validation through unit, integration, and system testing to ensure safety and performance.
Deployment and Ongoing Monitoring
Prepare regulatory submissions, such as a 510(k) for the FDA or a Technical File for EU MDR, to gain market approval. Deploy the software in phases, starting with pilot testing in clinical settings to validate real-world performance, train users to ensure proper operation, and minimize errors. Implement post-market surveillance per ISO 13485 to monitor performance, collect feedback, and address adverse events. Use analytics to track usage and identify issues, such as cybersecurity threats.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Provide prompt bug fixes and updates to enhance functionality or security, ensuring compliance with regulations for significant changes. Offer user support through helpdesks or chatbots to resolve issues. Plan periodic upgrades to keep up with new clinical needs and technologies. Prepare for software end-of-life by managing data migration and complying with data retention rules.
How to Select the Best Medical Device Software Development Company for Your Project?
First, clearly define your project goals and requirements. List specific features like AI diagnostics or cloud integration, compliance needs (e.g., FDA, EU MDR), and budget constraints. Identify the target users, such as clinicians or patients, to guide usability expectations. This ensures you communicate precise needs to potential vendors.
Second, research companies with a proven track record in medical device software. Check portfolios for projects like remote monitoring or EHR-integrated tools. Review client feedback on platforms like Clutch or KLAS Research. Confirm their experience with regulatory approvals, such as ISO 13485 or CE marking.
Third, evaluate their regulatory expertise. Ask how they handle standards like HIPAA, IEC 62304, or FDA guidelines. Request examples of compliance documentation or successful submissions. Strong regulatory knowledge prevents delays and costly revisions.
Fourth, assess their technical capabilities. Verify expertise in your required tech stack, such as IoT, HL7/FHIR for interoperability, or secure cloud platforms like AWS. Ensure they can integrate with healthcare systems and support cross-platform development. Technical alignment reduces risks and boosts performance.
Fifth, prioritize cybersecurity expertise. Confirm they follow secure medical device software engineering practices like OWASP's S-SDLC and use encryption and authentication. Ask about their process for regular updates and vulnerability patches. Robust security protects patient data and builds trust.
Sixth, check their focus on user-centric design. Review examples of intuitive, compliant interfaces for medical devices. Ensure they conduct UX research to minimize user errors. A user-friendly design improves adoption and care outcomes.
Seventh, confirm their collaboration and transparency. Look for clear communication, detailed project plans, and methodologies such as Agile or Scrum. Request clarity on pricing, timelines, and milestones. Transparent collaboration aligns the project with your vision.
Eighth, compare costs while prioritizing value. Expect custom medical software to cost between $ 200,000 and $400,000, depending on its complexity. Ensure they offer scalable solutions and ongoing support. Choose a vendor that strikes a balance between quality and budget without compromising on standards.
Finally, shortlist 3-5 companies and request detailed proposals from them. Conduct interviews to assess their approach, certifications, and alignment with your goals. Select the partner with the best mix of expertise, reliability, and transparency. Sign a contract only after reviewing terms and ensuring mutual clarity.
The Future of Medical Device Software Development
Medical device software already stands at the cutting edge of healthcare innovation, driving massive change in how we diagnose and treat patients. Yet, with billions of dollars flowing into health tech and regulatory barriers easing, the future of medical device software development is bright for the coming years.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
AI algorithms are already making waves in the medical device software sector. Predictive analytics and personalized treatments help spot patterns humans miss, delivering faster diagnoses and better outcomes. The tech now works across nearly every medical specialty, and the trends show it won't stop soon, only evolve.
Cybersecurity as Priority
Security doesn't leave the center stage as connected medical devices face sophisticated threats. Manufacturers now build in encryption, strong authentication, and continuous security monitoring from day one. Patient data protection matters as much as clinical functionality.
Edge Computing Implementation
Processing moves to the device itself, shortening wait times for essential procedures. The tech works even when networks fail, and it is a game-changer for implantables and wearables. Edge computing delivers real-time insights exactly when patients need them.
Interoperability Standards
The industry finally tackles its fragmentation problem with standards that work. FHIR and open APIs create true connectivity between previously siloed systems. The seamless data flow means better decisions based on complete patient records.
Sustainability and Scalability
Developers focus on energy-efficient software to extend the battery life of devices. Modular designs allow easy updates without replacing hardware. Cloud integration supports scaling for large patient populations. This reduces costs and environmental impact.
Regulatory Evolution
Regulators are finally catching up to tech innovation with more flexible frameworks. The FDA and international bodies now offer pre-certification pathways and real-world performance monitoring. Companies can innovate faster while still proving their products are safe.
Why Darly Solutions is Your Best Medical Device Software Partner?
No cookie-cutter code here. We're healthcare tech experts who solve real problems. For hospitals, clinics, and MedTech startups, we've delivered over 60 projects that handle messy data, strict compliance, and seamless integration.
Every solution is tailored, whether you're upgrading old systems or launching new ones. Our tech stack is healthcare-tested: secure, compliant, and built to last. Here's how we do it:
Our services cover:
Custom software development for unique workflows.
App development that works across devices.
Cross-platform solutions to reach more patients.
Automation services to slash admin time.
UI/UX design that the medical staff actually uses.
Integration services to connect legacy systems.
We build dashboards that act, not just display. Our scheduling tools cut admin work in half while keeping patients happy. Need e-prescribing or billing that's both secure and fast? We've done it reliably on a large scale.
Need experts who speak healthcare? Whether it's a whole managed IT team or project-specific help, we're here. Outsource your software development to us, and let's build tools that save time, money, and lives.
Conclusion
Medical device software development is more than code—it's about building tools that make healthcare smarter, safer, and faster. With the right partner, you get solutions that boost outcomes, cut costs, and keep you ahead of the curve. Darly Solutions brings deep healthcare expertise, proven results, and a relentless focus on real-world impact. If you're ready to transform your healthcare business, Darly Solutions is the team to trust.
Hey, are you here to find a solution for a consolidated and easy-to-access “home” for your business information, which is usually transferred from different places, often unrelated to each other? Then, you probably need to think about creating a digital space where it will be integrated, cleaned, structured, and stored accordingly, for further use in your regular business operations. But what is this space? Let’s find it out right now.
What Is Data Warehousing?
In a nutshell, it is a repository where your business data comes from disparate sources, where it is brought to the proper quality, and where it is stored, providing individuals with the appropriate rights with easy and fast access to it. Typically, such repositories serve as one of the central components in automated analytical solutions, but, as practice shows, the range of their application can be much wider.
Key Components of a Data Warehouse
In general, its main components are considered to be the following:
Sources, from which structured and unstructured information comes—these can be third-party databases, tables, systems, applications, etc.;
Data Extraction, Transformation, and Loading (ETL) tools, which define scenarios for extracting, transforming, and loading the information;
Data warehouse database, which is the main repository (usually in the form of a database management system, DBMS) with already prepared, i.e., cleaned and structured data, that can be used for analytics, reporting, and other business tasks without additional manipulation;
Metadata repository, which includes the permissible data types and the rules according to which this data will be used;
Query and reporting tools, which define algorithms for fast and unified access to data, as well as its analysis;
Data mart, a subset of the data warehouse that is used for individual business tasks (this can imply, for example, marketing data warehouse design) which formation occurs either directly through the collection from disparate sources or pre-preparing within a consolidated space.
Core Principles of Data Warehouse Design
Now, let's talk about the main data warehouse design principles:
A clear definition of business requirements and goals, as well as metrics that allow you to objectively assess the degree of their achievement;
Understanding how information is integrated from multiple sources and what should be the unified format after its transformation;
Choosing the right type of data modeling—these can be star schemas, snowflake schemas, fact tables, and so on;
Choosing the right methods and data warehouse software to ensure the quality and consistency of information, in particular, the methods of cleansing, validation, and supplementing of data;
Planning, scaling, and managing the performance through various methods of indexing, partitioning, compression, etc.;
Choosing the right tools for metadata management to simplify and improve access to the information;
Ensuring security and access based on policies and rules (usually, this is achieved through the implementation of advanced encryption algorithms, the introduction of access policies for different user groups, as well as providing reliable authentication and authorization methods);
Implementing end-to-end monitoring for ensuring data quality and security, performance of processes occurring within the data warehouse, and so on.
Steps in Data Warehouse Design
In this section, we invite you to consider the key steps leading to a successful and agile data warehouse design.
Requirement Gathering
According to the principles to design a data warehouse we defined above, the key to effective data warehouse design is to gather business requirements and clear business goals that it should fulfill. It is also important to identify the requirements for security, scalability, and performance of the repository.
Data Modeling
This is not yet a practical stage, but it still requires the participation of specialists—in particular, it implies the identification of entities, their attributes, as well as possible relationships between them. After this, the most suitable type of DBMS implementation needs to be selected—for example, in the form of tables, columns, indexing, etc. After this, you have to make sure that the selected type performs all the tasks assigned to it according to the predetermined requirements.
ETL Process Design
We have already explained above what the ETL process means, and this stage actually involves choosing the right tools and scenarios for their use.
In particular, you will need to define methods for extracting information from disparate sources (these can be database queries, API calls, file transfers, etc.), methods for bringing data to a single format and ensuring its proper quality (since you will most likely have to deal with big data, there may be many inconsistencies), methods for aggregating data to create complex information structures, automation methods for bulk loading of data (this can be full or incremental loading, and so on) with the usage of temporary storage areas, methods for detecting and eliminating data errors, as well as methods for checking data for completeness and accuracy.
Database Schema Design
There are several well-known data warehouse design patterns, such as:
Star, which has a fact table at its center and dimension tables associated with it around it;
Snowflake, which is a more complex Star and also implies additional dimension tables that surround each base dimension table;
Galaxy, which contains two fact tables and the dimension tables between them.
Data Integration
Now, you can start integrating the data using the previously defined ETL tools and technologies. At this step, you need to make sure that everything works as intended, and the data is transformed into the required unified format.
Data Storage Solutions
At this stage, you need to choose specific data storage solutions according to your requirements for the expected data volume, performance, scalability, and cost. Usually, the choice is made between relational databases, columnar databases, data lakes, and cloud data warehouse solutions.
Data Presentation Layer
Finally, to design data warehouse, you will need to understand what your data presentation layer will be – the layer at which end users will be able to seamlessly access the data and use it to solve specific business problems. This includes developing interfaces, dashboards, reports, and various data visualization tools.
Conclusion
Now that you have a clear guide to data warehouse design, you can begin implementing it with a full understanding of the principles and stages on which it is based. If you would like to delegate this comprehensive task to seasoned data warehouse development specialists, just contact us.
You've probably experienced some inconveniences while navigating any web or mobile app, and this irritated you a lot, especially, when you were limited on time, right? A similar situation may occur to your app’s or website’s users if your development team makes these most popular mistakes.
Case #1—Skipping User Profile
If you are aiming at crafting a truly bad UI design, don’t even try to figure out who your target audience is. And vice versa, if you wish to produce a good outcome, do make sure you have ascertained the user's preferences, needs, and the so-called “pain points”. If you address the customer's headache to the point, you will get positive feedback in return.
Consequences you should avoid:
poor designs that may fail to address the expectations and encourage people to switch to another website or app;
time wasted by users because they were unable to meet their needs through your solution.
Solutions to fix the problem:
in-depth customer research, including interviews;
creation of user personas;
regular usability checks and testing (both alpha and beta) to make sure each element and user flow is as convenient as possible.
Case #2—Complex, Complex, and a Bit More Complicated
There is a reverse effect, too. When developers strive to incorporate as many features as possible, especially the advanced ones, in the end, they may build bad interfaces.
Consequences to avoid:
disorientation – the user may wander from feature to feature;
lots of time needed for app/website onboarding and achieving an “expert” navigation level;
low conversion rates.
Solutions to fix the problem:
simplicity is above all, especially in terms of hierarchy design;
templates must be consistent, so make interactive elements and the overall navigation coherent.
Case #3—Ignoring Accessibility
Ensure that your app is easy to use by everyone, including people with disabilities.
Consequences to avoid:
ethical and legal issues – non-compliance with the basic norms may lead to fines and blocking of the application/web resource;
users with disabilities are excluded from the pool of the target audience;
forming a negative brand appearance.
Solutions to fix the problem:
adhere to the generally-accepted norms and best practices (you can find them in the WCAG 2.0 guidelines);
utilize semantic markup;
test your solution thoroughly before its launch.
Case #4—Mobile Apps Appear in a Ban
As people use smartphones and tablets throughout the day, ignoring the peculiarities of mobile app development may become a catastrophic mistake.
Consequences to avoid:
it is easy to lose a significant part of your potential users in a few seconds, as soon as they find out there is no mobile app on app stores;
lower audience engagement score;
poor navigation experience.
Solutions to fix the problem:
develop a flexible UI/UX design that operates smoothly on multiple screen sizes;
adopt a mobile-first design approach;
test an app on devices with different form-factors.
Case #5—Forgetting about the Balance between Appearance and Functionality
It is more than bad if you compromise one of these aspects. In fact, your app should solve the users’ tasks and be beautiful at the same time.
Consequences you have to avoid:
building a reputation of a brand with “that poor design and bad user interface”;
frustrated customers who like some aspects and hate other ones.
Solutions to fix the problem:
prioritize functionality over appearance a bit – emphasize responsive designs;
make sure these two aspects are coherent.
Case #6—Following the Trends Blindly
There may be many trends. Still, be mindful when using them and pick only those that are coordinated with your solution’s concept.
Consequences to avoid:
making your app too flashy;
creating a solution that is similar or even identical to another one, especially a very popular one.
Solutions to fix the problem:
develop your own personalized interaction design and follow it;
be mindful and balanced when following some mobile design trends;
avoid copyright issues – this is actually one of the most severe UI problems.
Case #7—Overloading Users with Lots of Irrelevant Info
Trying to provide as many details as possible may sometimes have an adverse effect.
Consequences you should avoid:
breaking your users’ minds with the irrelevant and unnecessary information;
confusion because of numerous conflicts between the datasets;
mistakes in the descriptions and other blocks of information.
Solutions to fix the problem:
ensure there is a visual hierarchy between the separate information blocks;
make sure it contrasts the rest of the space well;
include relevant information solely;
keep it brief, polite, and to the point.
Case #8—Misleading Customers with Numerous Buttons and Links
Any excessive features will only worsen the overall impression a customer may have. Make sure you double-check that when the story comes to buttons and redirects. Keeping all the things as simple as possible is among the primary usability principles.
Consequences to avoid:
including too many links and buttons, among other duplicating ones;
providing irrelevant links.
Solutions to fix the problem:
limit the number of redirects and buttons.
Case #9—Pop-ups Bombarding
It is difficult to find something more irritating than pop-ups. When a developer foresees dozens of such features appearing once a user accesses an app, the situation turns into a nightmare.
Consequences to avoid:
confusing users with unnecessary information and features;
making them leave.
Solutions to fix the problem:
be mindful about adding pop-ups – make sure they look well, and their number is not excessive;
avoid those pop-ups that are difficult to close once they appear – let your users decide, they will be grateful only.
Case #10—Avoid Any Upgrades and Optimization
If your customers are experiencing any interface issues, and you, as a service provider, prefer not to notice their complaints and respond to them, that is the right way to a failure. The issue is especially urgent if the interface is slow and lacks responsiveness.
Consequences to avoid:
you leave your customers dissatisfied and make them switch to using a more user-friendly alternative;
lower conversion rates.
Solutions to fix the problem:
regularity test and fix UI issues as they appear;
optimize features and images to make them load smoothly.
Bottom Line
The 10 most widespread mistakes listed in this article commonly adverse the overall user navigation and even make clients leave. Save this article to check the things to refrain from. If you would like to request proficient help with fixing these UI design mistakes and other possible drawbacks, get in touch with us. Our developers are keen on excelling in designs and functionality, so they will elaborate on truly effective solutions for your product.
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