How a Good Software Interface Can Make or Break Employee Adoption

When employees start utilizing new business software, it's imperative that the platform be intuitive, easy-to-use, and streamlined for the most efficient workflows (even the complex ones). 

Unfortunately, most business software platforms are still far behind the apps and consumer websites of today in terms of function and beauty. Many such business software solutions seem to ignore the user interface altogether. However, there's a growing expectation for streamlined display and simple functionality to enable new and veteran business users to master business platforms quickly.

Either consummating or crippling, the software’s user interface (UI) encompasses how users interact, respond and perceive the given platform. It’s up to the software developer to proactively and intentionally design the UI with the end user in mind for every use case.

User-Intuitive User Interfaces

Unfortunately, most business software platforms are still far behind the apps and consumer websites of today in terms of function and beauty. Many such business software solutions seem to ignore the user interface altogether. However, there's a growing expectation for streamlined display and simple functionality to enable new and veteran business users to master business platforms quickly.

Blowing the Whistle on Bad UI

While veteran team members who were around during implementation and the initial training will naturally have the most knowledge on how to use a new business software solution, good user interface design ensures that future hires have a minimal learning curve and will feel comfortable and confident with the system from Day 1. A smooth UI helps reduce time and materials for onboarding and diminishes the risk of human error once employees begin navigating the platform on their own.

Poor UI can intimidate, confuse or frustrate employees who use it daily. And the less technologically savvy the employee is, the more such inefficiency is accelerated. Bad UI can make a job a nightmare. Not only does this lead to dissatisfied teammates, it also lowers productivity levels, can lead to user mistakes with the potential to cut into profit margins, and can even result in higher levels of employee turnover.

A strong UI aims to make the user's interactions nearly automatic. Central routes and peripheral cues built into the platform function as subconscious feedback loops that intuitively conditions users how the software functions. A good UI is like a good sports referee. Ideally, its presence fades into the background and only throws a flag when truly necessary. A bad UI/referee is constantly on your mind because nearly every interaction is over-complicated and time consuming.

A UI Intended for You

Migrating to a new platform is rarely convenient, but that doesn’t mean it has to be agonizing. Employees don’t need to feel bogged down as they familiarize themselves with a new UI – especially when a go-live deadline is rapidly approaching.

When evaluating any business software, keep your everyday team in mind. Ideally, the software development company already has. Software designed by developers who understand their clients' industry-specific needs is usually the best option.

When it comes to an order management system (OMS), Deck Commerce's omni-channel platform provides online and brick-and-mortar retailers with a streamlined and intuitive user interface that naturally makes life easier for all users, especially customer service representatives.  Employees whether seasoned or new, customer service representative or customer service manager—efficiency and effectiveness should come first when servicing orders and customers.