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Girish Suryajoies

Principal UX Designer

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Business Insight - Redux Ontology

role: Senior Design Consultant

team: 1

responsibility: Design & Strategy 

duration: 3 Months

Introduction

Redux Ontology is a specialized machine learning application used by scientists and business users to create and manage a hierarchical ontology of engineering modules. Users organize module "families"—structured in three levels (Parent, Child, Grandchild; e.g., NAND, PEARL modules, etc.)—within a workbook that captures both unit-level and module-level details tied to specific engineering project codes. The current process relies on cumbersome spreadsheets, limiting user engagement, collaboration, and scalability.

ontology_structure.jpg
ontology.jpg

Requirement

Primary Users:

  • Apple Machine Learning Team

  • Business Users (product and domain experts collaborating on engineering projects)

Key Requirements:

  • Replace spreadsheet-based data entry with a more interactive, visually engaging system.

  • Integrate an aesthetic and interaction style inspired by Apple’s signature look and feel.

  • Incorporate game-like elements to make interaction enjoyable and intuitive.

  • Allow future expansion for additional innovative features as envisioned by users and stakeholders.

Goal

  • Structure and manage an extensible ontology that organizes engineering project modules into clearly defined families and sub-families.

  • Ensure easy creation, navigation, and traceability of Parent, Child, and Grandchild modules for each project code.

  • Facilitate collaboration by providing a standardized, visual, and engaging framework for defining and relating modules reducing ambiguity and improving knowledge sharing between technical and business teams.

  • Enable clear, accessible documentation of both unit-level and module-level details within the app, streamlining contributions and future audits.

Design Decision

Apple-Inspired Visual Redesign:

  • Employ minimalist layouts, clean typography, subtle gradients, and refined iconography to reflect Apple UI standards.

  • Use clear hierarchy, visual grouping, and smooth transitions to maintain user focus and session continuity.

Gamified Interaction Model:

  • Introduce interactive components (e.g., drag-and-drop for building module hierarchies, badges and progress indicators for completed ontology structures).

  • Incorporate playful yet professional feedback mechanisms (animations, sound cues) to make ontology creation and browsing enjoyable.

  • Allow users to visually "unlock" or reveal deeper levels as they define relationships and complete module groups.

User flow _1.png
User flow.png

Modular, Scalable Architecture:

  • Design the system to accommodate additional features (AI-assisted suggestions, collaborative editing, integration with other tools) as user needs evolve.

  • Use flexible frameworks to support customization without diluting the core ontology-management experience.

Collaboration and Versioning:

  • Enable real-time, multi-user contributions with clear user roles and change histories for accountability and knowledge traceability.

  • Provide comment threads and in-context help/guidance linked directly to ontology components.

Enhanced Documentation and Navigation:

  • Offer split-screen or tabbed views for seamless toggling between unit-level and module-level details.

  • Integrate deep linking, search, and filter tools to help users rapidly access, compare, or edit related modules.

Accessibility and Usability:

  • Apply best practices for accessibility to ensure all team members can contribute regardless of ability.

  • Provide onboarding tutorials and contextual tips to reduce ramp-up time for new users.

Wireframe_Module structure_expand.png
Wireframe_Module Tree Structure - All Fe
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