The Problem: Squeezed Maps & Clunky Layouts

UP42’s OneMap interface had a critical pain point:

• A fixed right-side panel (30% of screen width) forced the map into a narrow, impractical space.

• Users struggled to simultaneously view STAC asset data and interact with the map.

• Left-side panel components were inconsistent and non-reusable across teams.

Business Impact:

• Frustrated users → lower engagement with geospatial tools.

• Inefficient workflows → slower decision-making for clients.

The Solution: A Data-Backed Redesign

1. Research: 6 Months of Feedback Synthesis

• Sources:

  • Direct customer complaints (sales/customer success teams).

  • Informal user interviews (pain points around map visibility).

  • Analytics on panel collapse/resize behaviors.

• Key Insight:

  "Users hated the cramped map but needed quick access to metadata."

2. Design Execution

A. Map-Centric Layout

• Replaced the right panel with a slide-up bottom panel:

  • Freed up 80% more map space (now rectangular, not squeezed).

  • Retained one-click access to STAC metadata.

• Dynamic Table Columns:

  • Let users customize visible fields (e.g., hide "Acquisition Date" if unneeded).

B. Scalable UI Components

• Redesigned the left-side panel as a reusable React component (shared across teams).

  • Consistent card views, spacing, and interactions.

• Figma Foundations:

  • Built with auto-layout, variants, and tokens for cross-team consistency.

  • Tested on common screen sizes (1280px to 1920px).

3. Validation

• User Testing: Confirmed the new layout reduced "pinch-zoom" fatigue.

• Dev Handoff: Delivered modular Figma components with usage guidelines.

Impact & Metrics

• User Satisfaction:

  • "Map usability" scores rose 22% post-launch (CSAT surveys).

• Efficiency:

  • Fewer clicks to toggle metadata (slide-up panel vs. fixed layout).

• Scalability:

  • Left-panel component reused in 3 other UP42 tools within 2 months.