Evisort Folder Filter
About the project
In 2021, we kicked off a project to implement much needed fixes to our already launched universal search V2 feature on the Evisort platform. Throughout the year-long process, and in collaboration with the Search Feature Team, I designed a solution that helped improve the folder search experience.
Context
The current design had several limitations. When the user searches for a folder, the interface becomes slow if there are more than 200 folders. Additionally, it may be difficult for users to distinguish between two folders with the same name but located under different parent folders. Furthermore, the filters may take longer to load on the page because it requires retrieving tree data through a GET /path call. Lastly, there is a possibility that the data on the page may become outdated if another user deletes a folder after it has been loaded.
Goals
Business
Update exisiting folder browser functionality
Enhance folder filter for new search
Design
Improve overall user experience for platform search
Provide consistent components and patterns
Technical
Provide the much needed consistency
Avoid hardcoding components
Enviromental Scan
The environmental scan was a crucial step in our analysis and research. It enabled us to compare experiences across platforms and gain valuable insights. Our comprehensive examination of operating system file and folder browsers deepened our understanding of the field. This helped us identify areas for improvement and determine the best path forward.
User Flows
The observed patterns for users navigating to folders were,
- Search: The folder tree is used to navigate to the required folder, occurs in scenarios when the domain or path is unkown
- Browse: user can navigate the folder path, can select one or more folders, occurs in known domain or path.
Navigate to Folder
Move & Copy to Folder
Filter by Folder
A Long Term Solution
- Documents page scaled to a tool which delivers a better folder/file search and navigation experience for our users.
- Integrate folder tree and breadcrumb on documents page
- File/folder actions present on Documents page
- Show more detailed information about folders (date created, access management for admins)
