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Why Good Interface Design Improves ROI on Data Collection Software
The Cost of Complexity, the Value of Simplicity
Does your interface look like this?
Does the interface your employees use cost you money? For a long time, the status quo for interface in data collection applications has been an overly complicated, Windows-style design that you almost need a microscope to read on a handheld computer.
Aesthetically and functionally, they’re often dull and boring making users feel almost oppressed by the drudgery of using them. While interface design might not readily seem like a significant feature to consider when choosing software, the truth is, it can severely impact your true cost of ownership in several ways.
Easy to learn
Do you cringe at the thought of having to train a new employee on how to use your current software? Everyone knows that training takes time and money but the ease with which a user can learn new software is often neglected when considering new software. Remember that you’re not only paying the trainee, but also the trainer during the entire learning curve. If you’ve got a complex interface, then you’ll be paying 2 salaries to not get much work done for a long time. And when the trainee is finally left on their own with the software, they can easily fail and get frustrated as a result. Failure in the field can bring your business to a screeching halt. Compare that with an interface that is simple and intuitive like a casual video game. Someone could probably be trained on that type of interface in a couple of hours rather than days or weeks. Then, they will succeed on their own without the help of the trainer. If the design is familiar, consistent, non-ambiguous, and logical, it’s easily learned and you reduce your cost of ownership immediately.
Data Accuracy
If users can’t figure out how to use the interface, they’re doomed to use it incorrectly. They’ll end up entering data the way they think it should be entered instead of the way it was designed to be entered. This means you won’t be able to generate accurate reports and at some point, someone will have to spend time and money cleaning it up. But if the interface leaves no room for error, your data will be clean from the start, eliminating wasted time spent on data cleansing later.
User Adoption
Would you like to spend thousands of dollars on a hardware and software solution only to have it never be taken out of its case because it frustrates your workers? Your system might “work” but if no one uses it, it’s as good as broken. Wouldn’t it be better if the interface was not only easy, but maybe even fun to use, such that it engages your users and they actually want to use it? If the interface is more like a video game rather than a tax form, user adoption is guaranteed and your investment is not wasted.
Efficiency
Many interfaces today require too many steps to accomplish a simple task. Imagine an interface where users have to dig 10 levels deep just to complete one action. Now multiply that by the total number of actions they complete in a typical work week. That’s a lot of clicks! And most of them are probably completely unnecessary. Now imagine an interface that was designed to predict which actions a user would want to take at any given stage in their workflow. Not only does that save time, but significantly increases the probability of success in the field. Now, the same task can be done with far fewer clicks and they can move on to the next one. Have you ever gone to an ATM and not known what to do next? Probably not. But it’s probably happened to you with software that has a complex interface.
