1. Overview

The Attune Flow Cytometer Configurator is a digital tool designed to help researchers customize and configure Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Attune Flow Cytometer to fit their laboratory needs. This project was not a redesign but a net-new experience built to support users in understanding and selecting from a range of product options and accessories.

Team

• Jonelle Boyd, Sr. UX/UI Designer
• Jesse Mitchell, Sr. Product Owner
• Amanda Thompson, Content Strategist
• Christine Lewis, Lead Front-End Engineer
• Front-End & Back-End Engineering Team

UX Goals

• Create a clear, guided flow for customizing complex scientific equipment
• Provide just-in-time information to help users understand configuration options
• Build a flexible, modular UI to support future expansion and changes
• Improve user confidence and reduce decision-making friction

2. Challenges

Flow cytometers are highly technical instruments with multiple configuration paths based on specific research needs, such as laser selection, detector options, and compatible accessories. Many users are experts in their field but may not be familiar with how to configure an instrument online.

Key challenges

• Ensuring scientific accuracy while simplifying terminology for varied audiences
• Making a complex, multi-step process feel linear and manageable
• Creating a responsive, modular design that supports desktop-first use
• Balancing detail with brevity in a high-stakes product configuration context

3. My Approach

To ensure usability and accuracy, I followed a structured process grounded in UX best practices:

1. Cross-functional Collaboration
   Worked closely with product managers and engineering to understand technical requirements, system logic, and user types. Defined the scope of available options and rules for compatibility.
2. Research and Content Mapping
   Analyzed existing product documentation and internal resources to define each step in the configuration process. Collaborated with stakeholders to identify key decision points and necessary explanations.
3. Modular Interface Design
   Created a modular design that supports step-by-step navigation with consistent layouts, progressive disclosure of content, and built-in validations to guide correct configuration choices.
4. UX Writing and Terminology Alignment
   Worked with product and marketing teams to align on language that is both scientifically accurate and user-friendly. Focused on reducing jargon and offering helpful inline guidance where needed.

4. User Journey

Before designing the interface, I collaborated with product owners to understand the typical flow cytometer buyer’s journey—from initial research to final purchase. Users were often scientists or lab managers who needed to ensure the selected configuration aligned with their experiment types, lab capacity, and budget. Many relied heavily on product documentation or sales representatives in the past.

To align the configurator with real-world behavior, I mapped a step-by-step journey:

1. Select an Attune Flow Cytometer model
2. Add required lasers and compatible detectors
3. Choose optional accessories and software
4. Review summary and submit for quote or purchase

The design aimed to support users at each of these stages with embedded guidance and real-time feedback.

5. Competitive & Internal Research

To ensure the configurator met both usability and business goals, I evaluated digital tools from three relevant sources:

• BD Biosciences: Their flow cytometer configurator was highly technical and form-heavy, with minimal contextual guidance or user-friendly visual aids—highlighting opportunities for a more intuitive and supportive experience.
• Apple (Hardware Configurator): While not a scientific tool, Apple sets a high standard for user-friendly configuration.
• Internal Thermo Fisher Tools: Existing internal configurators often relied on outdated UI patterns and lacked consistent visual hierarchy, which reinforced the need for a more modern, modular, and responsive design.

These comparisons reinforced the value of progressive guidance, real-time feedback, and a clean, scalable layout tailored to both novice and expert users.

6. Final Design

The final configurator design uses a multi-step format with persistent navigation, clear section headers, and smart defaults. Users begin by choosing a core model, then move through laser options, detectors, accessories, and service plans. A summary panel updates in real time, helping users visualize their configuration as they go.

Key UX Features

• Progress Indicator to show where users are in the process
• Expandable Help Sections with contextual descriptions and images
• Real-Time Summary Panel that tracks selections and updates pricing
• Built-in Validations to prevent incompatible choices and guide corrections
• Responsive Layouts optimized for desktop-first use in lab settings

View PDF of Attune Screens

7. Results

The Attune Flow Cytometer Configurator launched as a key part of Thermo Fisher’s instrument purchasing experience. It has helped simplify what was previously a complex and sales-driven process into a guided, digital-first tool accessible to a wider range of users.

Key Results & Metrics

• Positive feedback from internal stakeholders and field sales teams
• Reduced dependency on manual configuration support
• Increased clarity and transparency in the configuration and pricing process

8. Learnings & Reflections

This project highlighted the value of close collaboration between UX, product, and engineering teams in making highly technical systems more accessible. Designing for modularity and progressive disclosure ensured that users weren’t overwhelmed while still retaining full control over their configuration. It also reinforced the importance of domain-specific UX writing to bridge the gap between scientific precision and usability. As the tool’s framework proves successful, it opens the door to scaling the configurator model across Thermo Fisher’s broader portfolio of scientific instruments.

UX Principle: Consistency and Standards

Maintaining Consistency and Standards in user interface design refers to using consistent layouts and interaction patterns across each step to reduce cognitive load.