Aries Systems Launches UX/UI Initiative with Redesigned Navigation Bar

Aries Systems is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of a newly redesigned main navigation bar (“NavBar”) for Editorial Manager® (EM) and ProduXion Manager® (PM). This exciting enhancement is the first in a series of updates to be introduced as part of Aries’ innovative multi-year, multi-phase redesign initiative for our workflow management solutions. The updated NavBar includes both user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) enhancements, designed to improve the usability and accessibility of the system’s navigation.

The new design, which will be consistent across all EM/PM sites, features a fresh and modern look, with updated colors, typefaces, and spacing, adhering to best-in-class design and accessibility standards. These design elements purposefully align with our recent rebrand and set the stage for the future look and feel of EM and PM, providing a consistent experience across our brand and our solutions. All operations available from the original navigation bar are retained within the new design, but structured in a more functional layout for a more intuitive, user-friendly navigation experience.

Important Dates: Release and Activation

On December 13, 2021, the updated navigation bar will be released in an “off” state to all EM/PM sites by default. As a courtesy, Aries will be offering a ten-week early-activation period from Monday, December 13, 2021 through Wednesday, February 23, 2022. Customers can request to have the new NavBar enabled on their EM/PM sites at any point throughout the early-activation period by contacting their Aries Account Coordinator (AC). There is no front-end configuration setting that will allow customers to switch on the new NavBar themselves. There will be no impact to sites for customers that choose not to enable the updated NavBar during the optional activation period.

Effective February 23, 2022, the new navigation bar will be automatically enabled for all remaining EM/PM sites. Thereafter the original navigation bar will no longer be available.

Resources & Training

Want to see the redesigned NavBar in action? Join us for a free training webinar on Thursday, December 9th at 10am ET. This session will highlight Aries’ strategic approach to our UX/UI initiative, a live demo of the redesigned navigation bar, and an opportunity to address any questions regarding this exciting update!

To further support customers during this transition, additional resources will be made available on the Aries Resources webpage upon release. For more information on this enhancement, check out our navigation bar redesign FAQ sheet.

EM/PM customers will receive frequent email reminders as the activation period nears. To ensure the appropriate contacts receive important notices and updates on upcoming design enhancements, please subscribe to our UX/UI Update mailing list. We appreciate our customers’ continued support and patience as we improve our workflow management systems to better meet their needs!