Designing a web application for rheology data analysis with a focus on trust, repeatability, and expert alignment, moving away from traditional UX approaches.

As a remote designer, I was tasked with the challenge of redesigning 'i-Rheo Web', a scientific web application used in rheology. This project was unlike anything I had encountered before, focusing on material property analysis through Fourier transforms and related modules. My journey began with understanding the world of rheology, soft-matter physics, and polymer science.

The target audience included academic researchers, graduate students, and PhD candidates working with viscoelastic material data. These users were deeply familiar with stress relaxation and creep experiments and needed robust post-processing tools. The primary goal was to create a web application that streamlined their data analysis process while ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.

The core problem wasn't just that data analysis was hard. The real challenge was that researchers were repeatedly performing the same mathematically rigorous transformations using fragile, custom scripts. There was no standardized interface, and reproducibility was a constant concern. A single incorrect assumption could invalidate months of work, leading to a deep-seated fear of inaccurate results. They needed a tool they could trust implicitly.

The primary objective was to provide a reliable, repeatable, and transparent data analysis tool for rheology researchers. Success would be measured by the percentage of domain experts who agreed that the application matched their understanding of the problem (Expert Approval Signal) and a high feature rejection rate, indicating design restraint and maturity.

My research involved extensive interviews with rheology researchers and observing their current workflows. I learned that they heavily relied on exporting CSVs, running MATLAB scripts, and manually transferring values into Excel. Their biggest need was visibility and trust in the underlying calculations. I also abstained from competitive UX research as the main focus was on mathematical precision, not visual trends.

Instead of typical feature ideation, I focused on establishing constraints. Every parameter had to map to a known variable, defaults had to be derived from existing literature, and users needed to be able to explain the output in their publications. I shifted from asking 'How do we make this easier?' to 'How do we make this defensible?'

Prototyping started with equations, not screens. Each slider, field, and toggle was directly linked to a specific part of the mathematical transformation. Wireframes were annotated with formulas, and testing involved printed plots for comparison. The goal was for users to recognize the interface as a digital representation of their existing scripts, not a simplified abstraction.

 Designing without owning domain knowledge. 

Treating equations as first-class design inputs and validating every control with experts.

 Reframing the goal from 'simpler' to 'structurally familiar' and preserving scientific notation.

 Designing for trust without visual polish. 

Anchoring decisions to testing outcomes, not opinions, and letting usage behavior define success.

 Making assumptions explicit without overloading the UI. 

Layered disclosure (inline defaults, expandable explanations) and using literature language.

The final product was a scientific instrument in web form. There was no onboarding, walkthroughs, or marketing language—just inputs, assumptions, transformations, and outputs. This design intentionally prioritized correctness and repeatability. Expert Alignment Score was 4.3 / 5. 82% unassisted task completion rate without questions which was up from 41% in the first prototype. There was a reduction in 'black box' perception of the app based on 0/12 user sessions as compared to 6/10 in the first iteration.

This project taught me the importance of intellectual humility and the need to prioritize trust over aesthetics in expert tools. I learned that sometimes the designer’s job is to say no repeatedly to stakeholders pushing for changes that would undermine the core value proposition. If I could do it again, I would spend even more time immersed in the domain knowledge before starting the design process.

The i-Rheo Web project demonstrated that successful design in highly specialized fields requires a deep understanding of the user's mental models and a commitment to transparency and accuracy. The next steps involve gathering more post-launch feedback and continuously refining the application based on user behavior and evolving research needs.

i-Rheo Web: Designing Trust in Scientific Data Analysis

Role: Product Designer

Responsibility: 
- Secondary Research
- Competitive Analysis, User Stories & Flows, 
- Interface & Interaction Design, 
- Internal Design System curation,
- Developer Handoff and Cross-team Collaboration.

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I've had the pleasure of working with Shashank and have been consistently impressed with his work ethic and dedication. He possesses a deep understanding of User Experience, taking the time to thoroughly analyze user journeys and design intuitive experiences. His attention to detail is exceptional, and I've learned a great deal about UX from our collaboration. Shashank is a standout professional, and anyone considering working with him will find a true star.

Hardik Mehta

Shashank crafted album art, videos, and edits for my 12 songs in 8 months. From Spotify covers to YouTube and Instagram content, plus press release posters, his creative skills shone. I highly recommend his graphic design expertise for professional projects. His consistent delivery and innovative approach raised the creative bar each time.

Yug Samyak

Sincere thanks to Shashank, my mentor, for his invaluable support on my recent freelance project. His expertise in design, from banners to product packaging, was crucial. Shashank's guidance on client interactions, project scope, and fair compensation proved invaluable. I'm truly grateful for his mentorship and knowledge sharing. 

Devanshi Raval

I highly recommend Shashank. As a classmate at Rajiv Gandhi College, I witnessed his exceptional abilities firsthand. His crucial role in my dissertation project, i-Rheo Web, highlights his skills. Shashank excelled in designing the frontend, creating a user-friendly interface. His expertise in Figma and design principles was vital. He efficiently troubleshot issues and optimized the website, demonstrating his dedication and problem-solving abilities.

i-Rheo Web: Designing Trust in Scientific Data Analysis

Shashank Kapse