Altinn UX: Enhancing Text Clarity In Key Sections
Hey guys! Today, we're diving into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of user experience within Altinn's dialogporten-frontend: the explanatory texts in the Drafts, Sent, Archive, and Trash sections. Currently, these texts are positioned above the respective lists, which isn't the most intuitive placement. This article proposes a simple yet effective solution: moving these explanatory texts below the titles for each section. This seemingly minor adjustment can significantly improve clarity and user understanding. Let's break down why this change is necessary and how it benefits users.
The Case for Change: Improving User Experience
User experience (UX) is paramount in any application, especially one as critical as Altinn, which handles important governmental and organizational communications. When users navigate through the system, they should be able to quickly and easily understand the purpose and content of each section. The current placement of explanatory texts above the lists in Drafts, Sent, Archive, and Trash creates a slight cognitive hurdle. Users have to process the text before they even see the list, which can slow them down and potentially lead to confusion. By moving the explanatory text below the title, we create a more natural flow of information. Users first see the title, immediately understand the section's purpose, and then read the explanatory text for further clarification. This simple change aligns with established UX principles of information hierarchy and visual flow, leading to a more intuitive and efficient user experience. Moreover, this adjustment enhances accessibility for all users, including those who rely on screen readers or other assistive technologies. Placing the explanatory text directly after the title ensures that the information is presented in a logical order, making it easier for users to grasp the context of the section. This is crucial for ensuring that Altinn remains a user-friendly platform for everyone. By addressing this small but significant issue, we can contribute to a more seamless and positive user experience within Altinn.
Drafts: Streamlining the User Journey
Let's start with the Drafts section. In Altinn, the Drafts section is where users store their unfinished communications and forms. It's a crucial space for managing ongoing tasks and ensuring that nothing gets lost in the shuffle. Currently, the explanatory text sits above the list of drafts, which, as we discussed, can disrupt the user's flow. The existing layout requires users to first read the explanatory text before even glancing at their drafts. By shifting the text below the title, we create a much smoother experience. Users immediately see the “Drafts” title, understand they are in the section for unfinished items, and then read the explanatory text for any additional context or instructions. This subtle change can significantly reduce cognitive load and help users quickly locate and manage their drafts. Imagine a user who has several drafts saved. They navigate to the Drafts section, and their eyes are immediately drawn to the list of items. By placing the explanatory text below the title, we ensure that the user can quickly scan their drafts and then refer to the text for any additional guidance. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also minimizes the potential for errors or confusion. The goal is to make the Drafts section as intuitive and efficient as possible, allowing users to focus on the task at hand – completing their communications and forms.
Sent: Enhancing Clarity and Confirmation
Moving on to the Sent section, this area is critical for users to track their submitted communications and forms. It serves as a record of what has been sent and when, providing a valuable audit trail. Similar to the Drafts section, the current placement of the explanatory text above the list in the Sent section can create a disconnect in the user's experience. Users need to see at a glance what they have sent, and when. By placing the explanatory text below the title
