BACKGROUND
Next-Gen Sequencing 101
Next-gen sequencing (NGS) is an advanced method for sequencing DNA and RNA cheaper and faster than traditional methods. It’s an important technology for genetics research and disease diagnosis.
Roche Avenio Connect does the heavy lifting — tracking samples and monitoring workflows while offering visibility into the entire process.
Oncologist requests a test, collects patient samples, and sends the samples to the lab
Lab worker uploads the sample data to Avenio Connect (including patient info)
Nucleic acid isolation of the tissue sample (extracting and purifying the DNA strand from the tissue)
Library preparation, allowing DNA or cDNA to adhere to the sequencing flow cell and the sample to be identified
Sequencing happens — the library is loaded onto a sequencer, which then detects nucleotides one by one
A variety of tools are used to process, analyze, and interpret the sequencing data and convert it into meaningful information (aka bioinformatics)
Let's fix our approach
Connect enforced a rigid methodology for genomic sequencing, forcing all samples to move through each step at the same time. Usability study participants perceived Connect as excessively limiting due to abundant safety measures, thereby constraining their sequencing processes. Every phase of the sequencing flow had to comply with Connect's stringent timetable and methods, ignoring potential unforeseen lab circumstances. This inflexibility compelled users to make premature decisions, often without full foresight. Consequently, lab technicians risked data accuracy or significant financial loss on samples and reagents due to these predetermined directives.
Design goals
Make Connect more flexible and hands off so that users are empowered to move samples forward in the process when they’re ready (not when Connect dictates them to move)
Business goals
Simplify the workflow of the library preparation stage so that Connect reduces the demand of information from the user with as little impact to development as possible, thus not delaying the release date.
User Flow
Revising the journey map
Connect enforced a rigid methodology for genomic sequencing, forcing all samples to move through each step at the same time. Usability study participants perceived Connect as excessively limiting due to abundant safety measures, thereby constraining their sequencing processes. Every phase of the sequencing flow had to comply with Connect's stringent timetable and methods, ignoring potential unforeseen lab circumstances. This inflexibility compelled users to make premature decisions, often without full foresight. Consequently, lab technicians risked data accuracy or significant financial loss on samples and reagents due to these predetermined directives.
