1. A method for providing a visual indicator of a workflow, comprising: performing a background data collection operation in the absence of a sample on a sensing area positioned on a top side of an FTIR instrument, wherein one or more indicator lights arranged on the top side of the FTIR instrument in a ring formation around the sensing area turns to a first color that indicates to a user when the background data collection operation has completed, and the user has obscured visibility that limits the ability to read information on a screen; applying the sample to a surface of the sensing area surrounded by the one or more indicator lights if the first color does not indicate an error state; measuring a spectrum of the sample; processing the spectrum and background data to determine a sample match state to a known material, wherein the one or more indicator lights turn to a second color that indicates the sample match state to the user.