One of the most common mistakes in enterprise system design is treating them like any other redesign or improvement project. It’s tempting to think big and try to solve all the UX and UI issues in one go.
But this way of thinking is exactly why real progress doesn’t happen.
Why traditional approaches don’t work in enterprise?
- The complexity of enterprise systems is overwhelming.
- The volume of information to be displayed on each screen.
- Integration with other systems.
- Dozens, sometimes hundreds of interdependent issues.
- Resources are limited.
- Time: You don’t have enough time for a complete redesign.
- Access to users: Often, you can’t talk to users to find out what they truly need.
- The impact of massive changes is short-lived.
- A complete redesign is costly, time-consuming, and ultimately may fail due to real complexity.
The key to success: Think small, get big results
Golden rule: Small changes can have a big impact when scaled in a large system.
Why small changes work better?
- They are easier to implement.
- Improving the search function or adjusting color contrast can be implemented quickly and with minimal risk.
- Users adapt more easily.
- Gradual changes allow users to maintain efficiency gained from familiarity, without disrupting the patterns they are used to.
- Cumulative impact:
- Small improvements, repeated over time, lead to a much better experience for both users and the organization.
Examples of small changes with a big impact
- More readable tables:
- Add spacing between rows and columns to improve clarity.
- Improve navigation:
- Add clearer labels and more intuitive icons for menu categories.
- Optimize forms:
- Reorganize fields to better align with the user’s logical flow.
- Quick functionalities:
- Introduce autocomplete functions or suggestions based on the user’s most frequent actions.
Re-thinking design rules in enterprise
You need to accept that most traditional UX principles in commercial applications don’t apply here. Enterprise systems require:
- Acceptance of density: Don’t reduce the amount of information, just organize it better.
- Focus on efficiency: Enterprise users value speed and productivity more than aesthetics.
- Atomic changes: Improvements at the component level, not a global redesign.
Adopt a new mindset
Success in enterprise design comes when you change your perspective:
- Don’t try to change everything at once.
- Focus on small adjustments that add up over time.
- Think about user efficiency, not just the “beauty” of the interface.
This is not just a way to solve complex problems; it is the only realistic path to making significant and sustainable changes in such a complex environment.
In enterprise, small thinking is what leads to big results.
