ui-density

Design

Analyze and improve UI density using Matt Ström's 4-dimensional framework. Use when interfaces feel too sparse, too cluttered, or when users complain about efficiency.

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UI Density Analysis

Core formula: Value Density = User Value ÷ (Time + Space)

Density is NOT about visual crowding. Sparse can be low-value. Dense can be high-value. Google's 2001 homepage beat Yahoo's portal because value density > visual density.

When This Activates

"This feels too sparse/empty"
"This feels cluttered"
"Users say it takes too long"
Dashboard or data-heavy interface design

The Four Dimensions

1. Visual Density

What users perceive. Unreliable—same elements arranged differently feel different.

Determine whether the perception is a real problem or a grouping problem.

2. Information Density

Tufte's data-ink ratio applied to UI.

Point to every element. Verify it communicates something the user needs RIGHT NOW.

3. Design Density

How many explicit design decisions (borders, labels, colors) vs implicit ones (Gestalt doing the work).

Check whether proximity/similarity can replace borders. Check whether convention can replace labels.

4. Temporal Density

Value delivered per unit of time.

Delay	Strategy
<100ms	No animation (adds perceived latency)
100ms–1s	Transition to bridge the gap
1–10s	Spinner
10s–1min	Progress bar
>1min	Background task + notification

Identify where users wait. Determine whether partial results can show earlier.

Examples

Low visual density, LOW value density:

Landing page with giant hero image, one headline, scroll to see anything useful.
Problem: Whitespace isn't communicating. User scrolls to find value.
Fix: Put key info above fold. Space should separate, not hide.

High visual density, HIGH value density:

Bloomberg Terminal: Every pixel shows tradeable information.
Why it works: Users need all of it. Instant load. No decoration.

High visual density, LOW value density:

Dashboard showing 20 metrics when user only acts on 3.
Problem: Cognitive load without proportional value.
Fix: Show the 3 actionable metrics prominently. Hide rest behind "more."

Analysis Process

Identify the primary failing dimension first. Then address secondary issues.

1. Identify which dimension is the main problem:
   - Visual (perception mismatch)
   - Information (wrong content)
   - Design (inefficient decisions)
   - Temporal (too slow)

2. Determine the specific failure.

3. Define the fix.

Output Format

UI DENSITY ANALYSIS

PRIMARY ISSUE: [dimension]
[One sentence describing the specific failure]

VISUAL: [cluttered/balanced/sparse] — [matches reality? if no, why]
INFORMATION: [missing: X] [excess: Y]
DESIGN: [Gestalt opportunities if any]
TEMPORAL: [wait points and feedback gaps]

VALUE DENSITY: [low/medium/high]
FIX: [specific recommendation]

Reference

UI Density — Matt Ström