Designing Tables for Large Amounts of Data: How we do it at Infodation

The Challenge of Data-Rich Tables

When designing tables, we often encounter obstacles. In some projects, users frequently deal with datasets containing hundreds or even thousands of rows, as well as specific needs. What is relevant for one user may not necessarily be interesting for another. Another challenge is the limitation of screen space: one user may access our software on a large office screen, while another uses an iPad on-site. Keeping these challenges in mind, I have developed solutions that enhance the user experience.

Filtering: Display What You Need

One of the most effective ways to make a table manageable is to give users the ability to filter data. This allows them to focus only on relevant information. Within our projects, we implement filters in various ways:

• Dropdown filters: Users can select specific values within columns, such as categories or dates.
• Combining multiple filter options: By adding multiple criteria, users can refine complex datasets.
• Showing relevance: Filters that have already been applied are clearly displayed so users know what data they are seeing.

With this approach, we at Infodation ensure that even the largest datasets remain organized.

“Designing tables that are both functional and user-friendly can be quite a challenge”

Configuring and Rearranging Columns

Every user has different priorities. By making tables configurable, users can personalize their experience. Recently, we implemented table configuration for a client, where we designed and developed the following features:

• Rearranging columns: Users can easily drag and drop columns to place them in the desired order.
• Enabling or disabling columns: Users determine which columns are displayed, so unnecessary information is hidden.

The client was extremely pleased with this smart update because these features now allow users to control how they view data.

Exporting Data

Sometimes data needs to be used outside the application, for example, in spreadsheets or reports. By providing an export function, we make this process easier. For nearly all our clients who work heavily with tables, we design export features. These can be made available in CSV, Excel, or PDF formats, depending on user needs. Additionally, users can choose to export only filtered data or automate exports, for example, every Friday at 5:00 PM. In my opinion, a well-designed export function significantly increases the value of an application.

Intelligent Search Functions

Another way to help users quickly find the right data is by integrating a powerful search function. With an intelligent search function, users can enter a keyword that is searched across all columns. As users type, possible matches are displayed. Thanks to these features, users can navigate large amounts of data without frustration!

Conclusion

Designing tables that contain large amounts of data requires a careful balance between functionality and user-friendliness. By combining filtering, configuration options, export features, and intelligent search functions, we can provide users of our software with an intuitive experience. These strategies are not only practical but also improve user productivity and satisfaction.

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Roy Schenk is a Design Lead at Infodation, specializing in user-friendly interfaces for complex systems.

Add me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royschenk/