Users were confused by the placement of the search function for a table of warranty contracts. The search icon was placed far to the right, separated from the table, making it hard for users—primarily finance and warranty staff, not tech-savvy—to find and use it.
Repositioning Filters (Requiring the least technical lift): I tried moving all filters to the same row as the search icon for better visibility
Master Search with Filters: I’ve considered a unified search bar that combined multiple filters in one interface.
Advanced Filtering: I explored adding complex filtering logic with Boolean conditions.
I’ve documented all these options in a detailed report, comparing them with industry best practices and other case studies. While I didn’t conduct direct user testing due to time and budget constraints, I ensured our solution fit our users’ needs by reviewing relevant literature.
I kept the original search-and-table design but added a simple trigger: pressing the Enter key to activate the search. This solution was initially deemed impossible by developers, but I found supporting documentation and proved it feasible. This approach minimized cognitive load, kept the budget low, and resolved the usability issue.