UI Design · Motion System2025
Helix
Science that doesn't pretend to be simple.
The problem
Helix's genomics platform had a powerful data engine buried under a UI that felt like a 2012 enterprise dashboard. Scientists were abandoning tasks mid-session. Onboarding conversion was 18%.
The thinking
Cognitive load audit first: we watched twelve scientists use the product before touching a single screen. Then a full design system rebuild prioritizing data density without clutter. Motion serves orientation: transitions show where you came from and where you can go.
The result
Onboarding conversion reached 61% after the redesign. Average session length doubled. The motion system was documented and handed off as a Storybook component library with embedded motion specifications.
