Once You Have the Schedule: Visualize It Right (And How We Built Ours). Part 3.

Datapult - Nov 1 - - Dev Community

An optimally scheduled workforce is only as good as the ability to make sense of it. At our company, we don’t just send back a set of assignments; we deliver a UI built to give you instant clarity on what’s happening, what’s missing, and what might need a tweak or two. Think you can outperform an algorithm? Here’s what we’ve designed, and how you can take inspiration for building your own visualization layer.

Our UI Approach: Focused and Actionable

The UI is purpose-built to zero in on essentials. We don’t drown users in data—they get a clear view of:

  • Flagged conflicts where rules or constraints weren’t met.
  • Unmet demands indicating shifts or skills that couldn’t be filled.

These visuals provide immediate answers to two key questions: “Is this schedule viable?” and “Where do we need intervention?” Manual edits are also possible, allowing users to explore “what-if” scenarios and test if a human touch could improve upon the automated schedule (spoiler: it’s not as easy as it looks).

Key Data Points to Visualize: Clarity First

Not all data is created equal when it comes to usability. Our UI highlights the following points:

  • Shift times and assigned users – ensuring users quickly see who’s assigned where.
  • Skill requirements and skill matches – so it’s clear when qualified people fill the roles.
  • Unmet wishes and preferences – for a balanced approach to employee satisfaction.

Suggestions for Building Your Own UI

Whether you use our setup or not, here are a few principles to keep in mind:

  • Minimize cognitive overload by presenting only the most relevant data upfront. Flag critical issues prominently.
  • Use readable, intuitive visuals that require minimal interpretation—clarity and simplicity go hand-in-hand.
  • Make the interface interactive so that users can dive deeper where needed but aren’t forced to sift through every detail.

With these tips, you’ll have a robust UI that not only supports users but makes workforce scheduling genuinely approachable. When designing, always remember: an AI-optimized schedule is only as good as the user’s ability to work with it.

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