Key Summary

• UIs for data querying are becoming ubiquitous. While many products already have systems that allow users to visually filter data, not many take advantage of fit-for-purpose interfaces

• There are three main challenges with building UIs that query databases: scalability, interpretability, and trust.

• There are four strategies for building more resilient UIs

  • Chunking: breaking queries into smaller bits of reorganizable content;

  • Using human language: allowing users to write their own labels and using words you’d use with other humans instead of “math” language;

  • Data as UI: providing every bit of information with a dedicated visual treatment so that users can tell logic from content apart;

  • Unconventional testing: asking users to think like a machine to ensure we hit the mark on highly interpretable and trustworthy digital products.