Information Software Design

A skill for designing information software based on Bret Victor's "Magic Ink" principles.

Use this skill when the user is designing or building software where the primary purpose is to help users learn, understand, compare, and make decisions - such as dashboards, search results, calendars, finance apps, recommendation systems, listings, or any interface where users seek answers rather than manipulate objects.

How to Use This Skill

When helping the user design information software:

Step 1: Identify What the User Wants to Learn

Start by asking: "What questions is the user trying to answer?"

Don't ask "what features should it have" or "what can the user do." Instead:

• What decisions is she trying to make?
• What comparisons does she need to draw?
• What conclusions is she seeking?