How structured data is represented in a Web page: Table

Organizing data and information is an ability that cannot be neglected. The way in which the content and the text are organized (generally in copy form) will have a direct impact on how the user receives the content. Web Design needs to find a way to organize content to make it easier for readers to scan and receive. One neat way to do this is to use data tables. Tables provide a structured way to display a large amount of information.

From the beginning of web development, tables have been used. The structure of the table has not changed and will not change, so it is not a form. Although the structure has not changed, but the style has been a long-term development; now the table is still as readable as the earlier table.

general application of data tables

Tables can easily organize data in simple and easy to read ways. They can be used to save and display large amounts of data, a small amount of information, static data, and even data that is constantly changing.

Tables similar to the chart layout are useful for comparison purposes. Many websites use such forms in contrast to different products, services, and prices that we will mention.

The following table is Apple's website comparing all Macintosh notebooks (MacBook). This chart contains a lot of information, but it is still easy to scan and read. This is a very simple form, but under the proper space and the influence of the border, the view is pleasing to the eye. In addition, the pictures of these laptops and the addition of important information make the form very readable.

Data tables are typically used to compare budget price comparisons. They provide space to show the name of the budget, the price, and the characteristics of each budget. In general, budget plans are displayed in columns and prices are displayed in rows. Each of these cells is marked with the specific characteristics of each budget plan.

Finally, tables are often used on TV web sites to show listings. This type of table differs from a regular table: the cell determines its size according to the length of each program. In addition, the program table is the same as the other table structure.

a component of an efficient data table

While each user knows how to understand a form, there are still things you can do to get your work to a new level of usability.

Titles + Labels + data = Data Table

Obviously, a data table consists of the column headings (titles) and the label text (Labels) of the rows, and the data (Date) in the data cell (cells). No need more, no less.

When you add color to a table, you should make those cells contrast the headings of columns and rows. Make columns and rows have the background color of the caption and the background color of the data cell. This makes the table easier to read and reduce errors.

The following tables made by Goplan use darker colors on the headings of columns and rows. It's easier to read this form because of the contrast between colors.

Stick with the simple squares

All the tables are square, of course it works so well, so we don't need to change it. Squares are highly effective because you have a small area that fills in a lot of information, and viewers can easily understand what's inside.

Using icons

Icons are an excellent way to reduce annoying text in a page. Icons can also help organize data tables.

The table below is a very efficient use of icons and looks neat. Tick and X represent "yes" and "no" respectively.

Do not leave blank cells

Tables sometimes have cells that don't have data. To avoid simply leaving these places blank, instead, you can fill in a tag, such as an X, an icon, or a dash like the one in the table below.

This concise table uses three dashes to indicate that the data inside is blank. This looks better than simply leaving a blank.

Highlight important rows and columns

Many data tables highlight rows and columns that provide very important or useful information. In price charts, you will often see that the best budget plan is highlighted. Take a look at the table below, the most important line – The column that is looking at the day's schedule is highlighted with a thick border and a different background color.

Larger and more complex data tables

So far, our focus is on relatively small and simple tables, but how do you handle large, complex data with a lot of data? There are quite a few usability considerations for large data tables:

Let the rows and columns be moved

Data tables play an important role in many software applications, whether web-based or locally installed. In general, developers will be able to move and organize the ranks according to the needs of the users. In addition, applications often allow users to prune the ranks.

Allow reordering of rows and columns

In tables with large amounts of data or changes in data, you should reorder the user's permissions and capabilities for content and cells. The most common variable is that you can reorder dates, letters, and importance.

Provides search capabilities for large tables

If the data is epitaxial and the table is very large, a search box here is required. This improves overall usability and makes it quicker to find data.

Provide a different view

If your table contains thumbnails or other visual content, you can add another usability feature that is the ability to view information in different ways, providing only a few ways to see text, text, and thumbnails, only thumbnails.

Take a look at the following Flash data table. It provides a lot of good ways to use large tables, such as searching, reordering, and different views.

data tables and styles

Adding styles, or missing styles, can affect how users view a table and receive data. This is very important. However, data tables should not be overly style-added. Simplicity and readability should be the overall goal. Shadow and art borders can be good for other page elements, but it's best not to have a table with them. Here are some style elements that serve the table well.

Alternating colors

The most important thing about data is that it is readable. One way to do this is to add alternating colors to rows and columns. This makes it easier to read and scan.

Here is a nicely paved table. The rows of the table have alternating colors, simplicity, flow, and efficiency. Although the data is large, it remains well readable.

Border

Separating cells with borders is important. Borders make the data more readable and reduce errors. In the case of huge data, the cell data will look mixed together, but you have to separate them.

Enough white space.

Like a border, whitespace between data helps ensure usability. In each cell, leave enough padding (padding) between the data and the border. Leave at least 20px of blank.

Simple background color

Good data tables are all about readability (which we've always been talking about). Color and readability are always closely linked. The form should be simple, and one way to keep it simple is to use simple colors. Avoid the use of bright, unpleasant background colors.