Here is our list of time-tested principles of thought for designing all-star applications. It's a rubric of sorts for judging the well-rounded-ness of an application. Not all applications need all principles applied; however, all can benefit from being interrogated:
Could my application be improved by implementing this principle?Should I improve this aspect of my data presentation?
It's not easy to think like a designer, but behind these fundamentals is a wealth of potential for you and your business. Even though this is a work in progress, our thinking is to go ahead and put the list out there to show the breadth of where we're going.
Let us know what principle name you'd like to see next by adding a comment below!
GUIDANCE
Drill down
Guide attention
Explanation before information
Use an entry point
Provide goals
Provide alerts
Contextual help
INTERFACE DESIGN
Match data structure visually
Leave room to breathe
Minimize clicks
Stay on the page
Use iconic elements
Visualize multi-variate data
Use Grid-based visual rhythm
Maximize contrast
Label accurately
MEANINGFUL COMPARISONS
Clarify relationships
Provide reference points
Time contextualizes
Provide overview and summaries
Coordinate linked views
Promote causality
Provide sufficient dimensions
AUDIENCE-CENTRIC
Accommodate color blindness
Accessibility needs
Use learned symbols, usually
Test designs
Minimize interaction dependency
Support role
Flexible access points
Make it fun
SIMPLICITY
Group like elements
Design for modularity
Keep it compact
Allow for casual use
Avoid information overload
LEAD TO ACTION
Track changes
Give instant feedback
Share findings
Present actionable info
Cultivate transparency
Facilitate collaboration
Task specific execution
Export data and analysis
Communicate progress
FOCUS
Emphasize the interesting
Zoom to navigate
Use transitions
Optimize speed