Data-intensive apps for work don't need to be UX-hostile and butt-ugly

"Why are data-intensive apps in the enterprise, healthcare, and public sector so unusable and scary-looking with data fields machine-gunned onto every page? Proven design techniques such as user research, context of use, design patterns, and plain language guidelines turn such experiences into information to easily act on. You don't need AI to do this. There is accounting for taste When choosing an accountant, the adage to find someone stereotypically boring, committed to a long, unadventurous journey, but good with numbers is well-known, if outdated."

"Yet, this "dull and painful" advice still resonates in application experiences intended for data entry and information viewing by citizens, healthcare workers, students, call centre teams, and more. That's not good enough anymore. Expectations about all digital user experiences have evolved. Arguing that apps are for "internal" or "staff" use 'only' and so user experience design is unnecessary is insulting and wrong."

"The higher education, human resources, financial, customer support, service, and healthcare worlds have inflicted plenty of apps demonstrating how basic design thinking and user experience are alien concept s. You know it: That familiar professional expertise-devoid app experience for data work. (Screen: Ultan Ó Broin) Do not excuse the government and public sector technology teams for being behind the times with those appalling UIs. There are government UX resources available for public-sector digital transformation (the political will to use them is another matter)."

Data-intensive enterprise, healthcare, and public-sector applications often present cluttered, frightening interfaces with many poorly organized data fields that impede effective work. User research, attention to context of use, consistent design patterns, and plain-language guidelines convert overloaded screens into clear, actionable information. Rising user expectations invalidate excuses that internal or staff-only apps do not need good design. Public-sector teams have access to UX resources and national design standards, but political will and proper application frequently lag. Domain expertise alone does not replace professional interaction design and usability practices.

Read at Medium