BenchSci empowers scientists to design, procure materials for, and execute their experiments more effectively. No one knows what will accelerate their research better than they do, so when they tell us how we can make our technology even more impactful, we pay attention. Feedback from scientists is one of the critical factors in determining new features to implement—we call these “Delight Features” because of the delight we see on scientists’ faces when they learn we’ve listened to and acted upon their suggestions. 

Here are a few of the Delight Features we’ve launched this year, as well as one our users can look forward to seeing in the coming weeks.

Delight Feature: reverse sort product results

“Could you add the option to reverse sort product results as you have for figure results? It would be useful for finding new products that may not have as much literature data supporting them.”

-Industry scientist

The BenchSci platform defaults to display product results with the most figures first to ensure scientists find products that are proven to work in their experimental context. Sometimes, however, a scientist may have tried all the commonly used options and want to see what new or niche products are available. To find these products easily, scientists can now sort results so that products with the least matching figures are displayed first. Switching between sorting modes can be done using the dropdown menu above the right side of the top result.

Delight Feature: exclude function for all product spec filters

“Would it be possible to exclude selected conjugations from my search? This would be helpful when a specific conjugation is incompatible with an experiment, when I’m designing FACS experiments and I want to exclude all unconjugated antibodies, and when I want to exclude a fluorophore I’m already using in an experiment.”

-Industry scientist

While exclude functionality was already available for many of the filters on our platform, we received a number of requests for this feature across multiple filter types that previously didn’t have this option. Now, all of our product spec filters will let scientists exclude selected parameters from their queries, enabling them to more easily narrow in on data relevant to their experimental context. To use this feature during a query, scientists can simply select the appropriate filter and scroll down to the parameter they want to exclude. Hovering the cursor over the parameter will reveal the “Exclude >” option in red text.

Coming soon: share product and figure lists via email

“I love the existing list feature, but I was wondering if it would be possible to share my lists with colleagues. It would be ideal to be able to do this without leaving the platform, and would help fill any data gaps that can arise with CSV files.”

-Industry scientist

Launching in the coming weeks, this Delight Feature will give scientists the ability to share product and figure lists they create on BenchSci via email right on the platform. This will make it easier for them to send shortlists of product candidates for experiments to their colleagues and to run lists of products they intend to purchase by their supervisors for approval. Once the feature launches, users can simply navigate to the saved list they wish to share and click “Share by Email.” Then enter the recipient’s email address and click send. 

We value all types of feedback

We also appreciate feedback that helps us identify any bugs or errors on our platform—we work diligently to fix these ahead of time, but with the world’s most comprehensive database of reagents, model systems, and experiments, one may occasionally slip through. When a scientist reports a bug or error, it helps us resolve the issue quickly to ensure we’re always providing the best experience to design more successful experiments. 

We’d love to hear your suggestions for new Delight Features that would empower you to reach your research goals. Leave us a message through our in-app chat, email our Scientific Support team at support@benchsci.com, or fill out our contact form.