
GExplore landing page.
GExplore is a bioinformatics database and tool for genome-scale exploration of gene and protein functions in the C. elegans model organism. Originally launched in 2009 by Dr. Harald Hutter and colleagues at SFU’s Biology Department, and has supported research for over a decade. I joined the project to contribute to the design and front-end development. Collaborating closely with Dr. Hutter and Mehrdad Moosavi, we enhanced the user experience, presenting data in a more accessible and visually engaging way.
User Experience
User Interface
Front-End Development
Visual Design
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Dr. Harald Hutter
Simon Fraser University
May 2024 - November 2024
GExplore landing page.
Certain valuable datasets are not easily accessible from existing centralized repositories, highlighting the need for optimized and updated datasets for comprehensive analysis.
Bioinformatics tools often prioritize functionality over user experience, yet an intuitive and multi-functional user interface is key for efficient data extraction and exploration.
Proper selection and structuring of data is essential, but presenting data in a clear and interpretable way is equally important for researchers to draw meaningful insights.
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNAs' role in gene regulation, using C. elegans as a model, which has fundamentally advanced our understanding of gene expression and disease.
GExplore is a tool to quickly obtain an overview of biological and biochemical functions of large groups of genes with a certain combination of features for further experimental analysis.
Overview of GExplore.
Gene, mutation, protein, and three genome-scale expression databases that collectively provide a quick access to selected data sets.
GExplore database cards graphic design for the home page.
The GExplore logo is inspired by the shape of the model organism C. elegans, a nematode worm extensively studied in genomics research. The logo also incorporates a subtle representation of a DNA molecule, reflecting GExplore's focus on genomic data and biological research.
GExplore logo
Established design rules and guidelines for typography and colors used in the GExplore platform, ensuring consistency in future updates while maintaining an innovative and scientific approach at its core.
Each search page includes help icons. Clicking an icon displays concise help text to guide users in filling out the field. For more complex searches, users can access a direct link to the help page.
Text-based search fields feature an autosuggest capability, helping users quickly identify suitable search terms.
The search and clear buttons are in a sticky container for visibility. The search button activates once a valid input is provided in any field, signaling readiness for a search.
Gene search page user flow for identifying genes linked to neuron tissue expression and cognitive disorder disease association.
The display page includes an interactive sidebar with four features: search summary, display options, export tools, and help. The collapsible design maximizes space for the result table, enhancing usability.
Demonstrating the interactive sidebar functionality on the display page.
The display interface is optimized for multi-gene analysis, with customizable columns, column reordering, full-screen plot viewing, and smooth table navigation for efficient exploration.
Navigating the result table of the expression dataset, one of GExplore's most cited databases.
The help page has been consolidated for new users, featuring a clear structure. It follows the user workflow and provides detailed guidance on search inputs and customizable display options.
The help page interface designed with a continuous and intuitive flow.
Remote work demands greater collaboration than in-person settings. This allowed me to better understand the creative process I needed to follow in order to create meaningful work.
Bioinformatics tools are critical for research. Interfaces must focus on simplicity and efficiency to help scientists access and analyze data for further experiments and projects.
Interdisciplinary projects require clear communication. Translating client needs into design demands thoughtful planning and precise execution.