How to Turn Basic Data Tables into Visual Cards

Increase scannability with visual elements

Every designer knows that tables are the default go-to method for displaying data. But you’ve got to ask yourself: is it really the best choice for the optimal user experience? In some cases, it is, but in other cases, the approach is too stale, sterile, and basic.

What ends up happening is that users easily lose focus when they’re moving their eyes through a sea of text and numbers. They’ll often lose their place as they scan multiple rows and columns, and will have to backtrack to make sure they’re looking at the right data. All this creates an unnecessary headache for users.