Imagine that your company is introducing a new process which requires you to use a new software. It could be an HR system to request a headcount, an analytics platform to learn about the company’s KPIs.
You log in and have a hard time figuring your way around, it doesn’t look like any other app you’re used to. What are the chances that you’ll come back regularly?
For an HR system, the motivation that you have to request a new position will be superior than the usability of the system. You’re willing to go through this frustration because the benefits justifies the cost. But if the added value is too low, it’s unlikely you’ll log back in.
The importance of usability
When designing Pigment Boards, remember that business users lack context about Pigment. They don’t realise that you’re designing their Boards, they naturally expect a high-quality user experience.
The first step is to work on your Application usability. It should be easy to navigate, easy to identify actions and inputs, have its information well organised.
Every end-user connect to an application with a goal to achieve. From their first intent to the resolution of their objectives, they go through a series of small steps called a journey.
Each little struggle is an obstacle in their path. Those are called “usability issues”. They build frustration and decrease the chances of your users connecting again to your Application.
How to minimise usability issues
1. Make it familiar
When using a system, your brain is on “auto-pilot mode”, you’re using a computer and smartphone everyday, so you’re expecting certain behaviours. You are unconsciously looking for patterns that you’ve used in the past.
So, if your Board layout is unconventional – the lack of title, a button oddly positioned – it will create a mismatch of expectations between your end-user and the system, which will result in confusion.
There’s a saying in design “obvious is always better”.
2. Test your Boards
Testing your Boards with end-users is a great way to assess your Application usability. Simply, show your Board to an end-user, ask them to use it and observe.
You will be able to identify which action they didn’t manage to perform, which information they couldn’t find and other usability issues. Sometime to resolve them, you would need to re-work the Board layout or, simply add extra instructions, a tutorial or perform a simple training.
We also recommend regularly gathering end-users feedbacks to make sure that your Boards fit their usage.
Learn how to design your Boards
In this series of articles we will dive into how to create a great user experience and give you the keys to perfect your design skills. Learn best practices to create delightful user experiences and increase the chances of having a high Pigment adoption rate in your company!
Define your Board content
The 4 principles of visual design
How to create information hierarchy
How to use colors
How to format Grids, Charts and KPIs
How to use actions and text widgets
Get inspired with lots of Board examples