A Better UI to Bulk Compare Table Rows Faster

How to design a bulk comparison UI

Imagine you're tasked to analyze the relationships and patterns of a data table. What seems like a simple task becomes a cognitive nightmare when the working memory is overwhelmed. Users often experience this as they compare data from multiple table rows.

The cognitive challenge in data comparison is keeping track of each value when the table rows are far apart. Adjacent rows are easy to keep track of, but users have to work extra hard when the rows are non-adjacent.

Working Memory Disruption

For instance, users must scan the record name on the left and move their eyes across the row to find the value. From there, they'll scan downward to identify the next record and move their eyes to the value they want to compare on the right.