Prima RIS/PACS — UX & Interface Redesign
Case study
Published on January, 2023 · 5 min read
I worked as a UI/UX Designer on Prima RIS/PACS, a web-based imaging archive for clinics, hospitals, and imaging centers. The project focused on improving usability, streamlining workflows, and delivering a consistent experience for multi-site facilities.
Overview
Prima RIS/PACS supports any imaging modality, unlimited users and workstations, and can be deployed on-premise or in the cloud. Multi-site facilities are supported with real-time synchronized data. The system is vendor-neutral, making it adaptable for facilities of any size.
Problem
Healthcare providers faced several challenges:
- Complex and siloed systems were difficult to navigate and scale
- Multi-site operations struggled with data synchronization
- Outdated, unintuitive interfaces led to long training times and workflow inefficiencies
Objective: Redesign the UX to improve usability, streamline workflows, and deliver a consistent experience for multi-site facilities.
Research & Insights
- User Interviews: Conducted with radiologists, clinicians, and IT administrators to uncover workflow pain points
- Task Analysis: Observed how users accessed patient studies, reports, and imaging data across sites
- Competitive Benchmarking: Studied similar RIS/PACS systems to identify usability gaps
Key Insights:
- Clinicians need fast, easy access to patient studies and histories
- Multi-step workflows increase cognitive load and risk of error
- Real-time data synchronization must be transparent and reliable
UX Process
1. Information Architecture & Workflow Mapping
- Mapped end-to-end imaging workflows from patient registration to reporting
- Reorganized navigation for modality-specific operations and multi-site support
- Ensured minimal clicks to complete tasks while keeping information clear
2. Wireframing & Prototyping
- Designed mobile-first wireframes and high-fidelity prototypes for dashboards, patient studies, and reporting modules
- Focused on task efficiency, highlighting key patient and imaging information
- Developed interactive prototypes to simulate multi-site synchronization and real-time updates
3. Visual & Interaction Design
- Created a clean, professional, and intuitive interface suitable for medical users
- Emphasized visual hierarchy, progress indicators, and interactive elements to reduce cognitive load
- Designed components that guide users through critical workflows seamlessly
4. Usability Testing & Iteration
- Conducted task-based usability tests with radiologists and admin staff
- Iterated designs to improve filtering, study access, reporting, and multi-site visibility
- Incorporated feedback to ensure workflows were efficient, clear, and error-resistant
Outcome
- Delivered a scalable, user-centered RIS/PACS interface for multi-site facilities
- Streamlined workflows for clinicians and administrators, reducing cognitive load and improving efficiency
- Improved multi-site synchronization transparency for accurate data across locations
- Established a cohesive UX system for future updates and feature expansions
- Enhanced user confidence and trust in a high-stakes clinical environment
Reflection
This project reinforced the importance of user-centered design in complex, high-stakes systems. By focusing on workflow efficiency, clarity, and multi-site usability, the platform meets technical requirements while providing a seamless, intuitive experience for clinicians and staff.