Designing for Complexity at Scale: UX for Roche's Digital Pathology Algorithm Portfolio

The Challenge

Roche’s digital pathology software supports a growing portfolio of slide analysis algorithms that help pathologists interpret data, detect tumor and non-tumor tissue, and score slides. Because each algorithm was built around different inputs, outputs, and clinical workflows, Roche needed more than a repeatable design process, they needed a strategic design partner that could adapt each experience while maintaining consistency within an existing modular platform.

The challenge extended beyond technical complexity. The interface needed to support two distinct user groups: pathologists adopting digital workflows for the first time and experienced users managing complex, high-volume analysis. At the same time, increasingly autonomous AI-assisted scoring capabilities introduced a new requirement, building trust and confidence in algorithm-driven outcomes. Roche needed to create experiences that felt intuitive for new users, efficient for experts, and credible across every interaction.

The Solution

Concord's UX team led the end-to-end design effort across a structured five-phase process: Discovery, Ideation, Design, Research, and Development Handoff, with continuous iteration built in at every stage.

To do this, we:

1. Conducted discovery research to understand the unique inputs, outputs, and user needs tied to each algorithm workflow.

2. Developed and iterated on UI designs that balanced simplicity for new users with the depth and flexibility required by power users.

3. Designed within the constraints of Roche's modular algorithm marketplace, managing the balance between ideal solutions and realistic, platform-aligned outcomes.

4. Validated designs through user research and incorporated feedback into successive iterations throughout the engagement.

5. Translated approved designs into fully implemented workflows by partnering closely with developers, validating progress through regular check-ins and team demonstrations.