Reporting Principles
In order to design the most informative and valuable reporting workflows we use the Reporting Principles that align our mindset and help us evaluate and critique in-progress designs.
Turn data into information. Information into knowledge. Knowledge into wisdom. Wisdom into action.
Clear and simple
Avoid data overload.
Clarify hierarchy and structure.
Don’t let the users calculate in head.
Provide admissible amount of options at once. - Prioritize the tasks and align the actions with the user flow.
Clean up unnecessary obstacles.
Consistent
Have consistent data.
Color and shape provide belonging.
Motion provides meaning.
Mind the naming conventions, don’t try to invent new words.
Transparent
Calculations must be clear.
Let the users know the consequences of their actions, don’t let them guess.
If necessary, show what’s happening at the moment - dispel doubts.
Rewarding - Let the users sit back and relax after hard work.
Recognition rather than recall. Instructions for use of the system should be visible or easily retrievable whenever appropriate.
Insightful
Tell a story. Avoid loading the UI with technical silos.
Highlight important or unusual events/data/etc.
Communicate benchmark value, provide a basis for comparison.
Give actionable recommendations.
Delightful
Innovative ways to visualize data assure that the user finds and understands the information quickly without mental overload.
