Google Analytics Design Optimization

UX, UI

November 26, 2023

About

When conducting an analysis of my website using Google Analytics, I have encountered certain challenges that have not only made the process inconvenient but have also resulted in analytical errors. I have identified that making slight adjustments can greatly alleviate these issues. Therefore, I have outlined the following problems and provided corresponding solutions below.

Data Visualization Problem

  1. The website or application being analyzed doesn't provide clear visibility despite being located in the header. Even though the URL is placed at the top of the page, symbolizing the top-level of the user interface (UI), users frequently find themselves overwhelmed by the abundance of menus, sub-menus, and options. Recognizing the header as the designated area for switching between sites can pose a challenge for them.

  2. The design of the date range is not clearly defined, potentially leading to errors in data analysis as follows:
    a. Comparing Inconsistent Periods: Users might inadvertently compare data from different time periods, resulting in inaccurate conclusions.

    b. Overlooking Seasonal Effects: Without a clear definition of the date range, users may miss important seasonal trends, such as increased traffic on e-commerce sites during the holiday season.

    c. Ignoring Data Processing Delays: Google Analytics may experience data processing delays, especially for larger sites or complex queries. Including the very recent past (e.g., "today") in the date range can lead to incomplete data processing.

    d. Risk of Providing Inaccurate Reports to Stakeholders: Users creating reports for stakeholders without thoroughly verifying the date range may inadvertently contribute to making misleading decisions based on the data.

UX and UI Solution 

  1. Preserve the original design style to prevent users from having to readjust to a new UI, and continue iterating the product with a focus on user-centric thinking.

  2. Include the site name for the website or app, not just the URL to prevent the selection of incorrect sites within the header. The placement of the website name in the header, whether on the left or in the center, can be determined through user testing.

  3. Emphasize the title in various analytical sections to reduce the reading complexity.

  4. Add a subtitle in each section to explain the purpose of the data.

  5. Place the date range settings on the top left-hand side of the page and enhance their design for better visibility.

  6. Centralize the filtering functionality at the top of the UI.

  7. Apply a light blue background to different information blocks to enhance readability for users.

  8. Placing the 'Setting' icon within the menu alongside other options. Typically, when analyzing Google Analytics, it's done on larger screens for better visibility. However, on larger screens, it can be challenging to notice the 'Settings' gear icon located in the bottom left corner.