There are two separate issues here.
(1) simplify by de-cluttering.
(2) simplify by contextualizing things (what I call "Just in Time" GUI)
For buttons that are not used very often, they should be moved away from sight (ie. #1). Frequently used buttons should be very easily accessible (ie. bigger, better screen real estate, more colour). Of course having fewer choices makes it easier to access the common core functions.
Certainly, from a "first time user" perspective, more is bad (confusing).
As you know, I love Synapse for it's AJAX-like GUI speed. This strong point should be leveraged to the fullest. I love the "Just in Time" buttons as we have implemented in certain locations. I do appreciate it requires more work in coding but for things that are used alot (adding diagnoses, meds, etc.) it's worth it.
Some ideas from the story:
(1) based on usage patterns instead of choices.
- we do this in certain areas (popular templates, etc.)
(2) Contextual, AJAX-based UIs actually seem faster because they
do not reveal all possible choices to the user. Instead they focus on surfacing just the bits that are
necessary and then surfacing more based on user input.
- as discussed we do this a bit, I like this approach.
(3) The new UIs are different, because a lot of them are
purposely plain.
- certain EMRs are more complicated than simple web apps and that plain isn't always possible.
(4) When the user mouses over a book, a contextual popup comes
up containing information about the book and a set of associated actions.
- mouse overs show detail when desired. I think
mouse overs are very user friendly. A good popup can work just as well in Synapse, especially because there is no need to re-query the database often, as much data is readily available to the GUI. What I mean is ... is there alot of difference by mousing over or having to click ... not much really.
One thing I don't like about many web things is they assume the user has the mouse in their hand whereas EMRs require some typing. Every user hates the annoying keyboard to mouse to keyboard to mouse transitions.
Cleaning up the first row Tabs would give Synapse a more intuitive, less overwhelming look/function.
