Key Improvements in 1.7.7.9:

In version 1.7.7.9 and each iteration of updates after I joined the company, I led a series of design changes and improvements to this software system. 

For example, using another a screenshot of the page for LOCKLY device control : 

1. Improved Sidebar:

• The portal's main navigation sidebar is replaced with  new icons, colors​, and clearer information hierarchy and visual feedback on users' current 'location' in the portal system

• Expanded Sidebar Text: The left-side navigation has clearer and fully expanded labels ("Device Management", "Air Transfer Task List"), which resolves the truncation problem from the previous design. This makes navigation more user-friendly and less ambiguous.

• More Logical Grouping: The items in the sidebar are better grouped, and the icons are clear and simple, helping users navigate without getting lost or overwhelmed.

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2. Enhanced Button Design and Interactivity:

• Added visual cues on mouse hover to help guide actions ('Slide to lock' or 'Slide to unlock')

• ​Interactive Feedback: e.g. the "Home Office" card shows clear interactive feedback (highlighted icon and action button). This helps users immediately understand the current status of the lock and the slider button makes it easier to understand what action users can take. 

• Device status is easily readable: gray-ed out cards indicate offline devices without intractable buttons or icons​

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3. Reduced Cognitive Load:

• Minimalist Design: The second design feels more minimalist, with fewer distracting elements. For instance, unnecessary details have been removed, and only relevant information (e.g., lock status, model number) is shown, making it easier for users to focus on the important information.

• Offline Locks Grouping: The locks that are offline (e.g., "7swhk", "Front Door") are clearly grouped together, which simplifies understanding which devices are functioning or not.

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4. Visual Hierarchy:

• Improved Visual Hierarchy: The design now emphasizes the most important information, such as lock status and the ability to interact with the lock. The title of each card (e.g., "Home Office") and the lock status ("Locked") are now more visually prominent, making it easier for users to quickly scan the interface and understand the current state of each lock.

• Notification and Alerts Visibility: The alert icons on the "Home Office" lock card (e.g., the exclamation marks) are well-placed and more visible than in the previous design. These draw attention to potential issues in a more structured and noticeable way.