Designer Approval Tool UI, Simplicity

NOTE: This post first appeared on my "ataraxissoftware.com/blog", blog. It has been re-created here because that blog is going through a transition and the archive may be lost. This post will have a permanent home here. (The post has been back-dated to the original post date.)

I’ve been working on the prototype for the product recently, and I have been focusing my efforts on the main page of the application. The goal of the application is provide a way for graphic designers to display their work to their clients and have their clients approve the work or leave comments. I’ve been intensely concentrating on keeping the user interface as sparse and simple as possible for 3 reasons.

1. I don’t want the UI to distract the client viewing their artist’s work. This goes from the features and options presented to the user all the way to the color scheme chosen for the UI. (Here’s a hint on the color scheme I’m using. There isn’t one.)
2. I don’t want the UI to confuse or frustrate the client of the artist. EVERY opportunity I have to watch someone use a computer, I take it! Honestly, I’m horrified by how most people are totaly confused and frustrated by what they see. (Heck, I’m confused and frustrated by a lot of software.) Every application interface is a wash with buttons, scrollbars, lists, eye candy, icons, and features. The artist is trying to please the client, and they aren’t going to want to use my application if their clients aren’t comfortable working with it.
3. I want to finish this application within my life time. Okay, this one is a tad bit selfish, but I think it’s benefical to Ataraxis Software as well as the designers!

With this thought stream in my mind this quote I saw today stuck in my brain, and has become my desktop background image.

“Simplicity means the achievement of maximum effect with minimum means.”
— Dr. Koichi Kawana

Thank you to Seth Godin for posting a link to this web page that contained the quote.