I see it time and time again- bad interfaces. Great functionality from brilliant developers but flat out poorly designed UI. What are the common user interface blunders I see?

Clutter, Clutter, Clutter

Why does the developer put everything on the screen? It’s a common misconception of “efficiency”. Jamming all the form fields and buttons on one page is efficient right? NOT!

Too Many Buttons

I know you’ve seen it. A row of (10) buttons in the middle of a screen or along the side of your browser window. How do you determine which button works for the task at hand?

Tackling Clutter

Filling up a screen with form fields and any and every button you can think of does not make the user more efficient. Actually it does the opposite. It doesn’t increase performance, it increases the opportunity for mistakes. Just test it and you’ll see that the lack of whitespace and too much on the screen will prove to foster user frustration.

Try this quick exercise. Take some PostIt Notes and write down the main user role of the system (ex.: Procurement Officer). Then on other PostIts write down what they are supposed to achieve (Goals). Next, record how they are supposed to achieve those goals (Tasks). Start arranging them quickly by most important to least important. Place the user role sticky on the top, goals in the middle and the tasks at the bottom.

Does the diagram match your interface design? If it doesn’t figure out what can go or at least be moved off screen to another set of secondary or tertiary functions.

Removing Buttons

Don’t put everything on a screen because you can. Take the time to research what functions are important for each user role. Use the exercise above.

Once you’ve done that separate out common tasks and advanced tasks or shortcuts. Create screens with common tasks first. This provides a clear path for the majority of your users. Then integrate the advanced tasks allowing your more sophisticated users to execute their work quickly and efficiently. I’ve seen too often that most of the design and development effort is in the advanced or (20%) of the advanced functions and (80%) is neglected and kind of “thrown in.”

Why Good Interface Design Matters

Because people are becoming more aware of good design and usability. Your potential customers are determining the value of your product by how easy it is to use. Remember easier to user, better looking interfaces are easier to sell and support. You really cannot go wrong by investing a little time and effort into cleaning up your interface clutter and removing some buttons.

Contact Modal if you find that your interface is full of clutter and need a redesign. We’ll take good care of you and your users.

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