126 Signal-to-Noise Ratio
The ratio of relevant to irrelevant information. Good designs have high signal-to-noise ratios.
• In communication, the form of the information—the signal—is sometimes degraded, and extraneous information—the noise—is added.
• Signal degradation occurs when information is presented inefficiently: unclear writing, inappropriate graphs, unnecessary elements, or ambiguous icons.
• Signal strength occurs when information is presented simply and concisely, using redundant coding, and highlighting of important elements.
• Maximize signal-to-noise ratio in design. Increase signal by keeping designs simple. Consider enhancing key aspects of information through techniques like redundant coding and highlighting. Minimize noise by removing unnecessary elements, and minimizing the expression of elements.
See Also KISS • Ockham’s Razor • Performance Load
