How do you make an easy-to-use user interface?
One of the main challenges of design is to transform the complicated into the simple. When designing user interfaces, we aim to eliminate blockers and create a streamlined user experience for people using our software. It’s important that they find what they need at the click of a button.
The Concept of Data-Ink
Edward Tufte is a statistician noted for his writing on information design and innovations in data visualisation. One of Tufte’s concepts for simplifying data visualisations is known as the ‘Data-Ink-Ratio’. He differentiates between visual elements that carry meaning ("data-ink") and unnecessary elements that do not ("non-data-ink"). For Tufte, it’s important to maximise the former and minimise the latter.
“The essential test of design is how well it assists the understanding of the content, not how stylish it is” - Edward Tufte.
Building upon Edward Tufte’s concepts, we can seek to simplify the software we design by:
Maximising the ratio of elements that carry meaning and convey information.
Omitting elements that are not essential to communicating information or meaning.
Omitting elements that communicate information or meaning but are redundant.
We should always ask ourselves whether we can remove a line, use one less icon, or remove a word. If we can, whilst retaining the essential meaning, we can present purposeful information most fundamentally.
It’s important to note that the concept of “data-ink” doesn’t completely solve the challenge of simplicity. This is because what is deemed “non-erasable” depends on both the problem and the users. This is where user research comes in, which we will discuss in another blog.
Edward Tufte’s concept of ‘data ink’
The Minimum Amount of UI
So, how can you best decide on which elements carry meaning? In his book "Save the Pixel", Ben Hunt suggests three questions you can ask to help separate the wheat from the chaff:
• Does it convey important information?
• Does it contribute significantly to the brand?
• Does it help the user know “I’m in the right place” or “This is the way to get what I want”?
If you answer "no" to any of the above questions, you can start questioning the element's necessity.
As Jon Yoblonski notes:
“When designing, we must constantly ask ourselves, what is the minimum amount of UI that will allow the content to be found and effectively communicate to the user?”
A Habit of Challenging Our Decisions
The design of PayReview is constantly being challenged to ensure that every step of the user experience is relevant, significant, and helpful.
And we don’t just apply these principles to streamline the user experience within our software. Whether writing requirements, creating presentations, or writing a blog, we use them to guide our decision-making process.
Find Out More
If you would like to learn more about our pay review software, more in-depth information about a specific product can be provided upon request.