Overview

PLANTS Admin is the internal management tool used by USDA staff to maintain the PLANTS database — a critical system cataloging plant species across the United States. The redesign aimed to improve the interface's usability, bring consistency to its information architecture, and support staff workflows across tasks like uploading documents, managing symbols, and editing plant metadata.

Built with USDA’s digital modernization goals in mind, the new system leverages USWDS standards where applicable while integrating custom structures to support complex scientific data input.

Problem / Solution

The legacy PLANTS interface suffered from:

• Outdated layouts and non-responsive design

• Confusing navigation between core tasks

• Inconsistent data entry patterns across different plant profile sections

• No centralized entry point for high-priority tools or recent activity

The design addressed these issues by introducing:

• A unified dashboard with quick access to high-frequency tasks (e.g., add plant, upload document)

• Modular card-based layout for managing plant data across tabs (e.g., Sources, Synonyms, Wildlife)

• Clear labeling and logical grouping for editable data fields

• Audit-friendly patterns to track changes, contributors, and status updates

UX Considerations

Editor-first design: Prioritized clarity and speed for USDA admins inputting or updating structured data.

Component consistency: Reused UI elements across multiple profile sections for familiarity and efficiency.

Responsive interface: Fully mobile-adaptable layout to support viewing or editing on smaller screens.

Guided entry patterns: Structured fields with labels, validations, and help text to reduce input errors.

Task-based dashboard: Centralized access to common workflows with minimal clicks.