System Status Visibility: Why It’s Key in UX/UI Design

Date

19/09/2024

Category

Why do most systems show progress bars when we upload a file, or why does a loading icon appear when a webpage is taking time to load? Is it just for aesthetics? Maybe a way to entertain or distract the user while they wait? At first glance, these visual elements might seem like superficial details, but in reality, there’s a much deeper reason behind every progress bar or loading spinner, rooted in improving the user experience.

These visual cues serve a fundamental purpose: keeping the user informed about the system’s status. They aren’t just there to fill the void during waiting times—they are designed to create a sense of reassurance, trust, and control over the interaction. Without these visual indicators, the user would be left in the dark, unsure if their action was recognized or if something went wrong. The goal isn’t just to make the user wait, but to help them understand exactly what is happening in the system while they do so.

When designing a digital interface, one of the most important principles we need to keep in mind is system status visibility, one of Jakob Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics. This principle is crucial for keeping users informed about what’s happening within the system at all times. Think about it like this: when you call for an elevator, the button lights up, and the display shows you which floor the elevator is on. This simple detail gives you reassurance that the system has acknowledged your request and is working on it. But why is this so important, and how do we apply it in the digital world?

What Does System Status Visibility Mean?

Simply put, this principle is about keeping users informed about what’s going on within a system, and doing it in a clear and timely manner. Imagine this: when we interact with a website, an app, or any digital system, users are always looking for some visual confirmation that the system has recognized their action and is processing it. This feedback can be something as simple as a button changing color or a progress bar showing how much of a task is complete.

The goal here is for the user to feel in control and assured that the system is functioning properly, which builds trust and reduces frustration. If a user doesn’t know what’s happening, the experience becomes frustrating because they have no way of knowing whether their action was successful or if the system is stuck.

How Do We Apply This in UX/UI Design?

This is where system status visibility really comes into play. Every time a user interacts with your design, you need to provide some kind of feedback so they know their action was acknowledged. Here are some effective ways to implement this principle in digital design:

Immediate visual changes: When clicking a button, a simple color change or animation can be enough to indicate that the system has registered the action. This is especially important in forms or buttons with critical actions.
Progress indicators: When a task takes time (like uploading a file or completing a complex action), showing a progress bar or a spinner can help reduce the user’s uncertainty. You’re essentially saying, “Hey, we’re working on it, don’t worry.”
Notifications: If the system needs more time or has completed a task, showing a notification or message is an effective way to keep users informed without interrupting their workflow.

Avoid Information Overload

At the end of the day, system status visibility is essential for making users feel safe and in control. If we don’t provide clear and timely feedback, users can feel lost, frustrated, or unsure if their actions are making any difference. And the worst-case scenario is that they leave the website or app because of that lack of clarity.

A predictable and reliable system doesn’t just improve user experience; it also builds trust in the product. If users feel like they always know what’s happening, they’ll be more likely to engage with it, try new features, and overall have a positive perception of the platform.

Why Is It Important for Usability?

In Summary…

System status visibility is one of those fundamental principles that, when applied well, goes almost unnoticed, but when ignored, can completely ruin the user experience. So always remember: inform users, do it clearly and concisely, and don’t overwhelm them with unnecessary information. In a digital world where speed and fluidity are key, keeping open communication with your users can be the difference between a mediocre product and a truly memorable experience.

Have you ever experienced a website or app leaving you in the dark about what’s happening? Let me know!

References*

Nielsen, Jakob, and Rolf Molich. “Ten Usability Heuristics.” Nielsen Norman Group. Available at: Ten Usability Heuristics – Nielsen Norman Group
“Form fields — Required vs Optional.” UX Collective. Available at: Required vs Optional – UX Collective
“Material Design Text Fields.” Google Material Design. Available at: Text Fields – Material Design.
“Web Accessibility Criteria – Required Fields.” California State University, Northridge. Available at: Web Accessibility Criteria – CSUN
“Rethinking the Red ‘Required’ Asterisk for Better Form UX.” Fusionbox. Available at: Rethinking Required Asterisk – Fusionbox
“Using asterisk (*) vs required.” User Experience Stack Exchange. Available at: Asterisk vs Required – User Experience Stack Exchange.
“Designing Efficient Web Forms: On Structure, Inputs, Labels And Actions.” Smashing Magazine.
“User Interface Design and UX Design: 80+ Important Research Papers Covering Peer-Reviewed and Informal Studies.” Interaction Design Foundation. Available at: UI/UX Design Research Papers – Interaction Design Foundation.

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