New Layout

What we learned about Alma navigation from our user study:

• the menu should be more scalable,
• vertical space is very expensive,
• there are too many elements at the top of the screen.
• users have to scroll a lot.

As result, we decided to change the menu navigation to be on the side. This provides the user with a  focused work area, optimized use of space, scalability, less scrolling, and a menu that is easier to navigate. The new layout is compounded of a new vertical customizable menu and a header with search always on top, as well as the summary section on the side, aimed to optimize the use of space​. The new layout gives the user more options to customize their menus and facilitates improved user workflows. 

Side by Side

From the user study we learned about list management:

• Too many clicks involved in repetitive work
• It is hard to find mistakes in a list
• It takes the user a long time to make small changes
• Space usage is not optimal

Slide-out panel

As part of our user study, we learned that one of the important things that users look for is to keep their work in context while reviewing a list. The slide-out panel presents a full editing form for a specific entity, without the need to switch to a new page and thus lose context. When the user finishes the editing, the changes are saved, and the user is returned to the list and to the record that was in focus.

Disclaimer: the following mockup is the conceptual design of the slide-out panel. It illustrates the possible usage of the UI concept and might change when implemented for a specific form.

Cards

The card is a complementary concept to the side by side option. It will provide an optimized quick view and edit. The card will provide both a specific view for each role and entity and will also allow for performing quick inline editing. 

Disclaimer: the following mockup is the conceptual design of the card. It illustrates the possible usage of the UI concept and might change when it will be implemented.