Article Idea:
Minimizing Complexity in User Interfaces
suggested by Tyler Tate on 2009/08/15
Hello everyone!
I’m interesting in writing an article about how to minimize real and perceived complexity in user interfaces. Complexity handled poorly leads to confusing, overwhelming interfaces. But when steps are taken to minimize complexity, a gratifying user experience emerges. My outline would be something like this:
1. Don’t implement features that aren’t absolutely necessary in the first place
2. Hide the complex features that you can’t get rid of altogether.
3. Minimize visual noise
4. Reuse visual components whenever possible
5. Don’t leave blank state blank
This is mostly inspired by my work designing two content management systems, most recently: http://tinyurl.com/mejgxs
Would this interest anyone?
Tyler
Want to see this idea turned into a story?
7 people said yes. | 0 people said no.
Patrick Stapleton
35 Reputation points
Posted 2009/09/30 @ 13:38PM with
I’m amazed no one has requested this article. Are you going to give us concrete examples? Did you readj “the laws of simplicity” my manager pushed it to me a while back, rather tasty.
Chris Baum
796 Reputation points
Posted 2009/09/30 @ 18:00PM with
I like the idea, too. Patrick, would you like to edit it? You obviously have some perspective on it.
Aaron Colorado
0 Reputation points
Posted 2011/04/23 @ 07:37AM with
The only key phrase I can find in this post is: Less is More! Which should be used by every designer in the world!
@all designers: Please don’t design complex items, since it’s very hard for a programmer to code in design. The best thing to do is create a (hidden) box where the programmer can do his/her thing on her/his way. When the coding is done all you have to do is modify the CSS to make it look nice ;)