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Fixing F4 Library Page UX Issues with Smarter Navigation
Fixing F4 Library Page UX Issues with Smarter Navigation
Fixing F4 Library Page UX Issues with Smarter Navigation
A strategic library interface redesign for Y Combinator's compliance-focused CAD platform, transforming how engineers discover and manage technical drawings through intent-based search capabilities.
F4
Automating compliance checks for engineering drawings
YC Batch
YC Batch
Summer 2025
Industry
Industry
Hardware
Challenge
The original library interface presented navigation scalability limitations and content discovery friction that could impact engineering workflow efficiency. With horizontal tab navigation lacking submenu expansion capabilities and traditional folder-based file discovery, engineers faced cognitive overhead when locating specific technical assets. Research indicates organizations with strong collaboration practices experience a 20-25% increase in productivity, highlighting the importance of streamlined asset access. The interface lacked intent-based search functionality, forcing users through manual folder traversal to locate design files. These patterns violated Miller's Law principles and created barriers to efficient CAD file management, potentially contributing to engineering workflow bottlenecks.
Challenge
The original library interface presented navigation scalability limitations and content discovery friction that could impact engineering workflow efficiency. With horizontal tab navigation lacking submenu expansion capabilities and traditional folder-based file discovery, engineers faced cognitive overhead when locating specific technical assets. Research indicates organizations with strong collaboration practices experience a 20-25% increase in productivity, highlighting the importance of streamlined asset access. The interface lacked intent-based search functionality, forcing users through manual folder traversal to locate design files. These patterns violated Miller's Law principles and created barriers to efficient CAD file management, potentially contributing to engineering workflow bottlenecks.
Our Approach
SaasFactor implemented evidence-based design principles to improve SaaS screen layout to reduce churn, focusing on Information Architecture optimization and Mental Model enhancement. We applied Progressive Disclosure through side navigation implementation, supporting future submenu scalability. The redesign leveraged Curiosity Gap principles by introducing AI-powered intent-based searching that anticipates user needs beyond traditional filename matching. Our process integrated Law of Proximity considerations, grouping related functions logically, while implementing Visual Hierarchy improvements for better content scanning. We employed Feedback Loop principles through enhanced file selection states and applied the Aesthetic-Usability Effect through refined typography and color schemes, creating micro-interactions on SaaS screen design that align with engineering professionals' workflow expectations.
Our Approach
SaasFactor implemented evidence-based design principles to improve SaaS screen layout to reduce churn, focusing on Information Architecture optimization and Mental Model enhancement. We applied Progressive Disclosure through side navigation implementation, supporting future submenu scalability. The redesign leveraged Curiosity Gap principles by introducing AI-powered intent-based searching that anticipates user needs beyond traditional filename matching. Our process integrated Law of Proximity considerations, grouping related functions logically, while implementing Visual Hierarchy improvements for better content scanning. We employed Feedback Loop principles through enhanced file selection states and applied the Aesthetic-Usability Effect through refined typography and color schemes, creating micro-interactions on SaaS screen design that align with engineering professionals' workflow expectations.
Outcomes
The redesigned interface delivers enhanced scalability through side navigation architecture supporting unlimited submenu depth without compromising usability. Engineers now experience revolutionary intent-based search functionality that discovers files by design content rather than folder structure, dramatically reducing time-to-discovery. The interface provides improved file preview capabilities with path visibility, multi-selection functionality, and integrated folder browsing that maintains context awareness. Streamlined detail views eliminate unnecessary three-column layouts while preserving essential information accessibility. These improvements align with best UX fixes for SaaS trial signup screen principles, reducing cognitive load while leveraging F4's AI capabilities to transform how engineering teams interact with technical documentation and compliance-critical design assets.
Outcomes
The redesigned interface delivers enhanced scalability through side navigation architecture supporting unlimited submenu depth without compromising usability. Engineers now experience revolutionary intent-based search functionality that discovers files by design content rather than folder structure, dramatically reducing time-to-discovery. The interface provides improved file preview capabilities with path visibility, multi-selection functionality, and integrated folder browsing that maintains context awareness. Streamlined detail views eliminate unnecessary three-column layouts while preserving essential information accessibility. These improvements align with best UX fixes for SaaS trial signup screen principles, reducing cognitive load while leveraging F4's AI capabilities to transform how engineering teams interact with technical documentation and compliance-critical design assets.
BEFORE | AFTER | WHY |
|---|---|---|
Horizontal tab navigation limiting submenu expansion | Scalable side navigation supporting unlimited hierarchy | Applied Progressive Disclosure - future-proofs interface for growing functionality |
Traditional folder-based file discovery | AI-powered intent-based search by design content | Leveraged Curiosity Gap - users can find assets by conceptual meaning rather than file structure |
Basic file listing without selection feedback | Enhanced file preview with multi-selection capabilities | Implemented Feedback Loop - users need clear confirmation of selected items |
Separated folder structure and file management | Integrated browse folders panel maintaining context | Applied Mental Model - users expect unified workspace for related functions |
Complex three-column detail layout consuming screen space | Streamlined expandable detail view with better information hierarchy | Utilized Tesler's Law - simplified complexity without transferring burden to users |
Generic file paths without visual context | Enhanced file preview with clear path indicators and thumbnails | Applied Visual Hierarchy - users process visual information faster than text |
Limited file interaction capabilities | Multi-format file support with batch operations | Leveraged Spark Effect - reducing effort for common engineering tasks increases adoption |
Basic aesthetic treatment affecting perceived functionality | Refined typography and color system for professional appeal | Implemented Aesthetic-Usability Effect - improved visual design enhances perceived reliability |
BEFORE |
|---|
Horizontal tab navigation limiting submenu expansion |
Traditional folder-based file discovery |
Basic file listing without selection feedback |
Separated folder structure and file management |
Complex three-column detail layout consuming screen space |
Generic file paths without visual context |
Limited file interaction capabilities |
Basic aesthetic treatment affecting perceived functionality |
BEFORE |
|---|
Horizontal tab navigation limiting submenu expansion |
Traditional folder-based file discovery |
Basic file listing without selection feedback |
Separated folder structure and file management |
Complex three-column detail layout consuming screen space |
Generic file paths without visual context |
Limited file interaction capabilities |
Basic aesthetic treatment affecting perceived functionality |
