Indispensable Principles of Crafting Complex Interfaces by Dean Schuster

Complex interfaces need to prioritize efficiency and density over modern “simple” design trends - expert users want to see and access more information at once

Hide rarely-used functionality by default to maximize screen space for important content. Navigation/menus should be collapsible if not frequently accessed

Use color purposefully for interaction and meaning, not decoration. Limit color palette and maintain strong contrast ratios for accessibility

Complex grids should be scannable “at a glance” - users should instantly understand what they’re looking at without having to analyze the interface

Use appropriate technical language and terminology for expert users - don’t “dumb down” labels if users understand the domain-specific terms

Test interfaces with real users in their actual work environment. Watch how they use existing tools to understand pain points and workflows

Sans-serif fonts designed for screens (like Roboto) work best for complex interfaces. Avoid serif and monospace fonts

Hide complexity when possible through progressive disclosure - only show additional options/fields when relevant based on user selections

Complex interfaces still need to follow accessibility guidelines - ensure proper contrast ratios and support for colorblind users

Start with existing frameworks/design systems but customize based on user needs rather than assuming they’ll work perfectly out of the box