Beyond Like-for-Like: A User-centered Approach to Modernizing Legacy Applications

TL;DR

This paper advocates for a user-centered approach to modernizing legacy applications, emphasizing user involvement to improve usability and efficiency rather than simply replicating the old system with new tools.

Contribution

It introduces a methodology that leverages existing legacy applications and user feedback to create more intuitive and effective modernized systems.

Findings

User involvement improves modernization outcomes

Legacy applications provide valuable insights for redesign

Bridging like-for-like and innovative design enhances user satisfaction

Abstract

When modernizing a legacy application, it is easy to fall back on a like-for-like replica with new tools and updated design stylings, but this is an opportunity to explore making a more intuitive application that supports user tasks and efficiency. Rather than having a blank canvas-unburdened by legacy tech debt-to create a new application, you are working with an existing application that is integral to accelerator operations and one that expert users are already familiar with. Due to this, you might assume people will prefer the like-for-like, but you could be carrying forward the pain points, processes that are inefficient, and ultimately wind up with an application that no one wants to use because it doesn't solve existing problems. Getting users involved can make all the difference in your approach to modernizing a legacy application that caters to both newer and expert users. It also can bridge the gap between like-for-like and introducing new GUI design. Having a legacy application doesn't have to make the modernized one difficult to develop, as the existing application is a tool in how you move forward with the new application. It provides insight into areas that an application with a clean slate doesn't give you.