Creating New Experiments

In Uncountable, experiments are the foundational unit within which where all sample data—such as recipe details, process parameters, and results—is captured.

Experiment Definitions

When creating a new experiment, users must select an experiment definition, which determines the structure and purpose of the experiment. Within the platform, experiments are entities and experiment definitions serve as different versions of that entity, each tailored to a specific use case.

Experiment definitions are managed within the Definitions tab of the Form Admin page. There can be numerous definition types within a schema. However, every schema includes three standard types:

• Experiment: A general-purpose definition, used for recipes or formulations.
• Test Sample: Used to track samples derived from tests or characterizations of a parent experiment. While test samples function as independent experiments, they maintain a built-in link to their parent. Learn more about test samples.
• Lots: Represents a lot or batch of a specific material. Learn more about lots.

Defining experiments in this way provides greater control over permissions. For example, an inventory manager may only need access to experiments defined as “Lots” while being restricted from viewing or editing standard “Experiment” definitions. Learn more about experiment permissions.

Creating New Experiments

When setting up new experiments in Uncountable, users have two main options:

1. Starting from scratch: Create a completely new experiment with custom parameters.
2. Building off an existing experiment: Duplicate a previous experiment while retaining relevant details.

Note: Since experiments in are created within projects, users should have an existing project before setting up a new experiment. For more information, refer to Creating a New Project.

Creating a New Experiment from Scratch

From the Project Dashboard, select New Experiment.

In the pop-up modal, configure your experiment using the following options:

• Experiment Workflow and Variant: Select the workflow and variant for the new experiment.
• Experiment Name: Modify the default name if needed.
• Number of Experiments: Specify how many experiments to generate by clicking “Add More”.
• Recipe Metadata: Fill out optional recipe metadata fields (i.e. Batch Number). Fields displayed within this modal are configured in Form Admin on the experiment definition.
• Advanced Options:
  • Tags: Assign existing tags or create new ones to help categorize your experiments (Experiment Tags).
  • Group: Add input groups to the experiment(s) upon creation (Input Groups).
  • Experiment Group: Assign the experiment(s) to an experiment group upon creation.
  • Product Selector: Set the experiment product (Products).
  • Project Selector: Choose a different project to add the new experiment(s) to.
  • Definition Selector: Choose from a list of available experiment definitions.

Click Create to finalize and add the experiment to your workspace.

Creating a New Experiment by Copying

From the Project Dashboard, open the Experiment Details sidepanel for the experiment you want to copy from. Click Copy to open the duplication settings.

Configure your copied experiment using the following options:

• Project: Select which project to add the new copied experiment into (defaults to the current project).
• Experiment Name: Modify the default name if needed.
• Number of Copies: Specify how many duplicates to create.
• Select What to Copy: Set whether to copy over instructions, comments, notes, spec, test samples, quantity locks, step attributes, and notebooks associated with the original experiment.
• Included Elements: Set whether to exclude measurements, include measurements without values, or include measurements with values.
• Recipe Metadata: Fill out optional recipe metadata fields (i.e. Batch Number). Fields displayed within this modal are configured in Form Admin on the experiment definition.
• Advanced Options:
  • Tags: Assign existing tags or create new ones to help categorize your experiments (Experiment Tags).
  • Definition Selector: Choose from a list of available experiment definitions.
  • Add to Experiment Group: Set whether or not to the copy to the existing experiment group upon creation.

Click Create to generate the new experiment(s).

Best Practices for Creating Experiments

• Use a Clear Naming Convention: Consistent naming makes it easier to track experiments over time.
• Tag Experiments for Organization: Applying relevant tags improves searchability and categorization.
• Leverage Duplications for Efficiency: Copying experiments helps maintain consistency and reduces setup time for similar tests.

By following these steps, you can efficiently create, manage, and track experiments within Uncountable, ensuring a smooth and organized workflow.