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 ...
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