Deliver consistency through a total system approach, thinking about process, outcome & experience.

Support clinicians to work the way they want to work. Give them the ability to seek information at the level of granularity they need when they need it to effectively support their decision making process.

Account for varying levels of expertise, tool familiarity and comfort with technology. The tools and functionality should support clinicians to practice at the top of their license.

Consider how clinicians work not only across devices, but across VHA environments.

What is the distinction between configuration and customization? For example, clinicians may have varying preferences in data view that require functionality that allows users to tailor those views; whereas workflows for the same task often vary from site to site, and may require different functionality or product offering. In the case of the latter, this may require a product decision explored with your Product Owner, clinical representative and/or Clinical Design Team members whether pursuing that functionality in the EHR or in the product is a priority.

Customization and flexibility

The design principle of customization and flexibility refers to the ability for users to personalize and adapt the user interface, settings, or workflows of a system or tool according to their individual preferences and needs.

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Practical actions:

Tailored user experience

Customization allows users to configure the user experience to match their specific requirements, workflows, or skill levels. They can adjust settings, layouts, or functionality to create a personalized and optimized user experience. By tailoring the experience, users can streamline their workflows and access the most relevant features easily, improving efficiency and satisfaction.

Personalization options

Provide users with options to personalize various aspects of the interface, such as color themes, font sizes, or icon styles. These customization options accommodate diverse user preferences and accessibility needs, enhancing user comfort and usability.

Modular and flexible components

Design using modular and flexible components that users can arrange or reconfigure to suit their preferences. For example, users might have the ability to rearrange or resize panels, windows, or toolbars based on their workflow or screen space requirements. This flexibility empowers users to create a layout that supports their specific tasks and working style.

Workflow customization

Allow users to customize the sequence or steps involved in a workflow. Provide options to enable or disable certain features, adjust default settings, or define custom shortcuts. By accommodating different user preferences and working methodologies, customization enables users to work more efficiently and comfortably.

User-defined defaults

Offer the ability for users to set their own defaults or presets for commonly used features or settings. This allows users to establish a starting point aligned with their preferences, saving time and effort by reducing repetitive configuration.

Saved preferences or profiles

Enable users to save their customized settings, layouts, or configurations as profiles. This allows users to switch between different profiles based on their current context or tasks. For example, a design tool might offer different profiles for web design, mobile app design, or prototyping. Profiles facilitate seamless transitions between different modes of work.

Gradual customization

Provide customization options that are approachable and easy to understand, particularly for novice users. Consider offering preset options or guided customization to help users gradually explore and understand the available choices. This approach empowers users to customize their experience at their own pace without overwhelming them with complex configuration options.

Clear feedback and reversibility

Provide clear feedback when users make customization changes, ensuring they understand the impact of their choices. Additionally, allow users to revert to default settings or previously saved configurations if they want to undo their customizations. This flexibility allows users to experiment, learn, and refine their customizations without fear of irreversibly affecting their experience.

Customization and flexibility in UX empower users, acknowledging their unique preferences and needs. By offering customizable options, you provide users with a sense of ownership and control over their experience, leading to increased satisfaction, productivity, and overall engagement with the system or tool.