Approach

I began with in-depth user interviews to understand how casting professionals search under intense time pressure, and where friction occurred in their workflow.

Complementing this qualitative insight, I analysed search analytics to identify the most-used filters and session drop-off points.

Key findings:

• The top five filters appeared in 80% of all sessions

• Users often needed quick access to niche filters beyond the top set

• Certain filters needed bespoke UI components that met users needs

These insights set the foundation for a unified, data-informed redesign.

Feedback

Through iterative workshops and high-fidelity Figma prototypes, I tested multiple interaction models to blend speed with flexibility.

Core areas of exploration included:

• Introducing a drawer-based filter UI, allowing fast filtering on both desktop and mobile

• Testing real-time result updates during searches to eliminate “dead ends”

• Creating quick-view cards that displayed essential performer info without leaving the search view

I validated prototypes with active users, refining micro-interactions, transitions, and responsive layouts based on feedback.

Outcome

The final design delivered:

• A clean, responsive UI with top filters visible and secondary filters housed in a smart drawer

• Elastic search integration, supporting dynamic results and faster iteration within sessions

• Streamlined information hierarchy via quick-view cards showing the most relevant performer data

• Improved accessibility and usability across devices, reducing search completion time and cognitive load