Redesigning Filters
Project Overview
The platform's filtering system had grown organically over time patches on top of patches. Users were silently struggling with it, but nobody had stopped to look at the data. I did and what I found led me to redesign the entire filter experience as a self-initiated project.
// My Role
Self-Initiated Redesign
This wasn't on the roadmap.
I identified the problem through behavioral recordings, framed it with data, and designed the solution independently, then brought it to the team with a clear case for why it mattered.
// Problem
Lack of Filter Visibility
The filter panel was docked by default, which compressed the data table every time it opened. Search inputs were buried inside the filter panel itself. And when filters were active, the applied chips were styled in white, nearly invisible against the interface. Users were filtering data without realizing it, and re-filtering because they couldn't tell anything was on.
~40%
of sessions had filters left on unintentionally
3x
more time spent re-applying the same filters
Low
filter discoverability score in usability audit
// Research
What the Data Revealed
I pulled behavioral session recordings and watched how users actually interacted with the filters. No assumptions, just observation.
The patterns were consistent and damning enough to build a full case around.
8
User Behavior Recordings Reviewed
3
Distinct Friction Patterns Identified
5
Competitor Filter Patterns Benchmarked
Key Insight
Users weren't confused by the data, they were confused by the filter state. They couldn't tell what was filtered, what wasn't, and why their table looked different than expected.
Design Opportunity
How might we make filter state so clear that users always know exactly what's applied and trust what they're seeing in the table?
Early Concepts
I started with one direction and brought it to a session with the PM. From there we aligned on a familiar pattern we'd seen done well in another product — something that felt intuitive without requiring users to learn a new interaction.
Filters presented as a panel that constrained the table’s content.
Applied filters appeared too faint compared to the ones already open in the panel.
// Final Product
A Clearer Filtering Experience
The redesign rethought filters across three dimensions: layout, behavior, and state visibility. The panel no longer docks by default, it floats. Search inputs were pulled out of the panel and placed directly above the table. And applied filter chips were changed from white to the product's primary color, making active filters impossible to miss.
Redesigned Filters
Redesigned filters in a three-split layout (search, list, details) featuring a floating panel that leaves the table unconstrained.
In-Filter Search
Ability to search across all filter types, making it easy for users to quickly find any filter.
Applied Filters
The applied filter badge is highly distinct, making it easy for users to recognize when a filter is active.
// Impact
Internal Validation
The redesign was tested internally with company employees before reaching production. Results are based on those moderated sessions the feature is currently staged for roadmap inclusion.
80%
drop in unintentional filter states during testing
2x
faster time-to-filter in moderated sessions
100%
of testers noticed active filters immediately
Key Learning
Filter state is interface trust, if users can't tell what's on, they can't trust what they see.
Layout decisions have behavioral consequences a docked panel isn't just a style choice, it changes how people work.
Self-initiated research is often the fastest way to surface problems the roadmap hasn't caught yet.
