Design

Don't Make Me Think: Intuitive Design

Lisa

6/20/2024

Have you ever opened a new platform and just didn’t like it? You try to understand what’s wrong: the information is useful, the UI isn’t bad, it feels like everything should be okay. However, you just don't want to use it. Here is one thing that could be the issue: this platform makes you think. Some little things that you saw in previous platforms are absent here, making it uncomfortable. These are things you didn't notice until they were gone, but their absence makes a significant difference. It feels like you don't fully understand the platform and can’t follow its flow. This platform makes you try to anticipate its next move, adding extra tasks to your already full plate.

Now, imagine a cybersecurity platform user: they have a ton of information to process, a plethora of terminology, and a highly stressful environment, plus to every day tasks. And your platform , possibly, making them think even more.

Ask yourself: are you truly helping your users not just with valuable information, but also with a seamless platform flow? Is your platform actionable and intuitive, or are you unintentionally adding extra cognitive load and work for your users? If so, it’s time to consider some effective UX tweaks. This guide will help you understand how to implement small but significant UX elements that can enhance user comfort and retention. Let's explore how small changes can make a big impact!

One of the biggest complaints from users is dealing with overwhelming interfaces. This problem is even more noticeable in cybersecurity platforms. When a dashboard is crammed with too many widgets, alerts, and pieces of information, users can quickly feel lost and confused. Instead of being helpful, it just adds stress. Cybersecurity professionals already have a lot on their plates with a high-pressure environment and tons of data to process. A cluttered interface only makes their job harder. Simplifying things by grouping related information and using collapsible sections can make navigation easier and reduce mental strain.

Another major frustration is the lack of guidance. Cybersecurity tools can be quite complex, with many features that need clear instructions. Users often need a little help to understand how to use certain features or complete tasks. Without clear instructions or helpful hints, they might feel lost and unsure of what to do next. This can be a big problem in a security context where quick and accurate actions are essential. Adding In-app tutorials can make a huge difference in helping users feel more confident and in control.

For example, think about a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tool with lots of features for monitoring, alerting, and reporting. A new user might find it hard to set up their first alert or configure a report. Without enough guidance, they might give up on the tool and look for something simpler, even if it means losing important security features.

So, how do you make this huge and potentially scary platform a bit simpler? Don’t make your users think more than they need to! You can do this by adding just a few extra elements:

Tabs

Organizing content into tabs can help declutter the interface, making it easier for users to find what they need. For instance, instead of displaying all settings on one page, grouping them into categories within tabs can streamline the user experience. This method allows users to focus on one aspect of the settings at a time without being overwhelmed by too much information. In a SIEM platform, settings related to alerts, notifications, and user management can be grouped into separate tabs. This way, users can quickly navigate to the relevant section without having to scroll through a long list of options. For example, a "Profile Management" tab could contain settings for user roles and permissions, while a "Configurations" tab could handle alert thresholds and notification settings. This organization makes it easier for users to manage complex settings without feeling overwhelmed.

Tooltips

Imagine a user sees an inactive button and tries everything on the page to activate it. This can be frustrating and time-consuming. A simple tooltip explaining why the button is inactive and what the user needs to do can save a lot of hassle and improve their experience. Tooltips provide instant guidance without interrupting the user’s workflow. For example, in a SIEM platform, if an "Enable Alert" button is inactive because required fields are not filled out, a tooltip can appear when the user hovers over the button, stating, “Please complete all required fields to enable this alert.” This instant feedback helps users understand what steps they need to take, reducing frustration and making the platform more intuitive.

Progress Indicators

Users appreciate knowing where they are in a process. For instance, during a multi-step onboarding process, a progress bar can indicate how many steps are left, reducing anxiety and uncertainty. This visual cue reassures users that they are on the right track and helps them gauge how much time they need to complete a task. In a SIEM platform, progress indicators can guide new users through the setup process. For example, an onboarding progress bar could display the following steps: "Set up your organization," "Connect integrations," "Select package," and "How to videos." This keeps users informed and engaged, ensuring they complete each step without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

While these tweaks are beneficial, they shouldn't be overused. Bombarding users with too many tooltips or tabs can be counterproductive. It’s essential to strike a balance and ensure these elements are used where they genuinely enhance the user experience.

Prioritize Key Areas: Focus on the areas of your platform that are most critical to user success. Identify the pain points and implement UX improvements where they will have the most impact. Conduct user testing to gather feedback and refine these elements to better meet user needs.

Maintain Consistency: Consistency is key in UX design. Ensure that the use of tooltips, tabs, progress indicators, and other elements follows a consistent pattern throughout your platform. This helps users form a mental model of how the application works, making it easier for them to navigate and use.

Avoid Clutter: More is not always better. Adding too many elements can create clutter and confusion. Use these features judiciously to enhance the user experience without overwhelming them. Strive for simplicity and clarity in your design.

Small UX elements like tooltips, navigation tabs, and progress indicators might seem minor, but they can really change how users feel about your platform. Especially in cybersecurity products, making your users think more than they need to isn’t ideal. These little features can make your product feel easy and friendly, helping users feel understood and at ease. When these small things are missing, it can be a noticeable gap in an otherwise awesome product.

Investing in these UX tweaks can lead to happier users, better retention, and ultimately, a more successful product. The goal is to make your users' lives as easy as possible. Don’t underestimate the power of these small details—they can make all the difference in creating a smooth and enjoyable user experience.

Want to make your users' lives easier but not sure how? At Good Code, we're always happy to help! Our team is dedicated to designing and developing products that prioritize user comfort and satisfaction. We believe in creating solutions that make life easier for users, ensuring they can navigate your platform effortlessly. Whether you need help with UX design, feature implementation, or just some friendly advice, we're here for you. Let’s work together to create a product that don’t make your users think. Visit us at www.goodcode.us to learn more and get started!