A simplified user interface (SUI) is an illustration of a software interface that reduces irrelevant information to abstract shapes to create a "stylised but instantly recognisable image" that conveys the contextually important details. Similar in look to wireframes, SUIs have uses in marketing, user onboarding (for instance by Slack and Google Analytics), and technical communication. As well as improving the speed and clarity of communication, for those creating documentation SUIs offer a degree of future-proofing against incremental changes to the interface, and aid the translation of documents into other languages.
Further reading Johnson, Tom (19 January 2019). "Write the Docs podcast episode 33: simplified user interfaces, with Anton Bollen". I'd Rather Be Writing. Retrieved 27 June 2021. Saremba, Leonie; Bollen, Anton (February 2021). "Simplified graphics and screenshots in software documentation". TCWorld. Retrieved 27 June 2021. Segelin, Steve (2018). "Graphic content warning: the pros, cons, and alternatives to screenshots". WriteTheDocs. Retrieved 27 June 2021. Cassidy, Kat. "Creating beautiful SUIs". katcassidy.com. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
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