Subtracting Complexity by Design

Douglas X. Wang王骁勇

Make Life Easy

(+) versus (-)

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drawing

sculpture

mathematics

…

design improvement:usability test, heuristic evaluation…

收creative design: brain storm 放

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

what creates complexity?

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interface perspective: 客

体

user perspective

主体

many layers of info;unclear grouping/categories;complex structure of data;unfamiliar/no metaphors;

…

multiple interaction;physical limitations;time consuming;missing knowledge;psychological barrier;cultural misperceptions;

…

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

experiencing complexity…

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

experiencing simplicity…

It is easy to make things complex;

but much harder to make things simpler.

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

how to express a product?

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information architecture 信

息结构

2feature definition

功能

1

3graphical interface

图形界面

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

how to simplify the scope of features and prioritize them?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Make Life Easy

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

• who are the primary users?• why do they use it?• where do they use it?• how do they use it?…

• what is the business positioning in the market?

• what is the business strategy?• who is the most important decision maker?• what is the product position in the market?• who will finance it?• what is the expected ROI?…

• who will work on it?• how long is the

development cycle?• what are the tools used?• what are the limitations?…

how to prioritize?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Make Life Easy

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Tasks User Biz Tech Total

Determine parameter scheme 3 3 3 9

Create/modify design templates 3 3 2 8

Integrate into development process 1 2 3 6

Build final deliverable 3 3 1 6

Make installation transparent 3 3 1 6

Test parameters 2 2 2 6

Modify templates 2 3 2 7

Determine who gets what design 3 3 1 7

Send out designs 3 1 1 5

Track designs 3 3 1 7

Upgrade/Downgrade designs 2 3 2 7

Request designs returned 1 1 1 3

Receive returned designs 2 1 1 4

how to deliver a good experience of information?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Make Life Easy

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

• importance level of data• context of use• breathing for perception• grouping• layering• macro/micro• Metaphor• abstraction• trace of smell• cross reference in multiple information

spaces• the evolving data by time

how to express simplicity visually?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Make Life Easy

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

• typography: too many type faces?• graphic design: unclear traffic signs, ad. Message,

over designs?• product design: confusing buttons, distracting color

and decorations.• websites: ads, confusing layouts, strange colors,

fonts, links, animations.• software interface design: unclear personas,

unnecessary info, improper branding, illogical UI patterns.

complex data=complex experience?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

Complexity–confusing factors = simplicity

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users’ world:

the ideal users’ world:

designers’ role

Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14

visual;audible; tactile;nasal;cultural;metaphorical;emotional;psychological, philosophical, ideological,…

text;language;colors;grouping; relations;layering;metaphors;functional;business logics, user profiles;accessibility;aesthetics;…

It all makes sense

can life be made easier?

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Douglas X. Wang - 2006.11.14