Designing Filtering for an Analytic Software

Abstract

The purpose of this master thesis is to answer a the research question "What should be considered when designing filtering for an analytic software?". To this end, a set of guidelines was defined, that could be used as a foundation when designing filters for analytic software. The research question was answered through an iterative design process of research through design, including a pre-study followed by three design iterations. The guidelines were defined and iterated continuously and simultaneously as designing an improved design concepts. The project resulted in three different concepts: Date Picker, Search & Filter and Filters’ Relation, that allowed for an exploratory process when designing and defining the guidelines. Date Picker and Search & Filter are both high-fidelity prototypes whereas Filters’ Relation is a lowfidelity conceptual solution. The final set of guidelines includes six general design and functionality guidelines for designing filters in analytic software, and five that are more scope-specific. The final set of guidelines can be used as a foundation when designing filters for an analytic software and for future research within the field.