First Principles of SaaS UX · CHAPTER 3 OF 7
Understanding and structuring data
Structuring Data
Understanding Data Is Only the Beginning
Data Also Needs to Be Structured, Knowing what data exists is not enough.
It must be organised so the right user finds the right information at the right time, That is what turns raw data into a usable software experience.
Understanding Data Is Only the Beginning
Data Also Needs to Be Structured, Knowing what data exists is not enough.
It must be organised so the right user finds the right information at the right time, That is what turns raw data into a usable software experience.
Data
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Flows
Data
Access
Intuative
Tasks
Prior
Users
Three Steps to Structure Data
Three Steps to Structure Data
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Understand The Data
Understand The Data
Understand the Data
In software, data is any information users enter, view, update, or use to take an action.
It can be a name, ID, status, date, amount, prescription, document, or any other information the workflow depends on.
Before structuring the software, we first need to understand these data points clearly.
Understand the Data
In software, data is any information users enter, view, update, or use to take an action.
It can be a name, ID, status, date, amount, prescription, document, or any other information the workflow depends on.
Before structuring the software, we first need to understand these data points clearly.
Small Details Can Create Large Problems
During research for a healthcare product, we noticed that a blood-test input field was too small to display the complete test name.
Two tests started with similar letters.Users could not properly validate which test had been selected.
The result?
The wrong test was performed and hundreds of samples were wasted.
Test Details :
Test name
Blood test...
Blood type
B -
other details on text
Small Details Can Create Large Problems
During research for a healthcare product, we noticed that a blood-test input field was too small to display the complete test name.
Two tests started with similar letters.Users could not properly validate which test had been selected.
The result?
The wrong test was performed and hundreds of samples were wasted.
Test Details :
Test name
Blood test...
Blood type
B -
other details on text
Understanding Data Prevents Bad Decisions
Understanding Data Prevents Bad Decisions
Understand These 4 Things
Understand These 4 Things
USC Number
USC Number
USC Number
In the TG Electricity Bill app, every electricity connection has a Unique Service Number — USC.
This one data point is used across several important actions in the application.
Will break it down using the framework.
USC Number
In the TG Electricity Bill app, every electricity connection has a Unique Service Number — USC.
This one data point is used across several important actions in the application.
Will break it down using the framework.
Understand the Format
Format Defines How Data Should Be Entered
A USC number contains: 9 Numeric Digits
Knowing this immediately affects the UI.
Instead of leaving users guessing, the input should clearly communicate that 9 digits are expected and allow users to validate what they entered.
000-000-000
Understand the Format
Format Defines How Data Should Be Entered
A USC number contains: 9 Numeric Digits
Knowing this immediately affects the UI.
Instead of leaving users guessing, the input should clearly communicate that 9 digits are expected and allow users to validate what they entered.
000-000-000
Understand the Source
Source: Where Will Users Get This Data From?
The USC number is available on the user's electricity bill.
But if the app simply asks: “Enter USC Number”
without explaining where to find it, users may get stuck before the workflow even begins.
Understanding the source helps us provide the right guidance.
Understand the Source
Source: Where Will Users Get This Data From?
The USC number is available on the user's electricity bill.
But if the app simply asks: “Enter USC Number”
without explaining where to find it, users may get stuck before the workflow even begins.
Understanding the source helps us provide the right guidance.
Design for When the Source Is Missing
Users Will Not Always Have the Ideal Source
What happens if the electricity bill is not available?
The user may need to find the USC through: Previous SMS / Email, Meter, Customer Support
Good UX needs to account for these alternate paths too. Do not design only for the happy path.
Alternate Paths
Ideal path
Design for When the Source Is Missing
Users Will Not Always Have the Ideal Source
What happens if the electricity bill is not available?
The user may need to find the USC through: Previous SMS / Email, Meter, Customer Support
Good UX needs to account for these alternate paths too. Do not design only for the happy path.
Alternate Paths
Ideal path
Understand the Purpose
Why Does This Data Exist?
The USC identifies a particular electricity connection.
It is used to:
Pay Bills
View Bill History
Register Complaints
Request Services
Complete Registrations
Understanding its purpose tells us how important the data is across the software.
Understand the Purpose
Why Does This Data Exist?
The USC identifies a particular electricity connection.
It is used to:
Pay Bills
View Bill History
Register Complaints
Request Services
Complete Registrations
Understanding its purpose tells us how important the data is across the software.
Understand the Dependency
What Depends on This Data?
In the TG Electricity app, the USC is required for nearly 80% of key actions, such as paying bills, raising complaints, and requesting services.
Understanding this dependency helps us structure the navigation and prioritize access to the USC accordingly.
Understand the Dependency
What Depends on This Data?
In the TG Electricity app, the USC is required for nearly 80% of key actions, such as paying bills, raising complaints, and requesting services.
Understanding this dependency helps us structure the navigation and prioritize access to the USC accordingly.
Understanding Data Sets Priority
Understanding Data Sets Priority