Design Principles for Admin Experiences
These Principles represent our commitment to human-centered design in an increasingly automated world. They ensure that whether code is written by humans or generated by AI, the resulting systems remember who they’re built for: people doing important work who deserve tools that respect their time, intelligence, and goals.
1. One Temper, many products
Every admin experience should feel unmistakably Temper, regardless of product or module. Shared patterns, language, layout logic, and interaction models across all tools. Users should never need to relearn how Temper works when switching contexts.
If it looks, behaves, or sounds different, there must be a deliberate reason.
2. Clarity without compromise
Prioritise low cognitive load: clear hierarchy, progressive disclosure, minimal visual noise. Default views are simple; complexity is available when needed, revealed as users go deeper, never dumped on them upfront. No unnecessary configuration, toggles, or decision points.
Simple is not basic; simple is intentional.
3. Consistency builds trust
Familiar patterns over novel interactions. Similar problems are solved in similar ways across the platform. Actions are clear before execution, reversible where possible, confirmed when irreversible. State changes are visible and explainable. The system never surprises users in destructive ways.
Users should recognise patterns before they notice design.
4. Meet users where they are
The system adapts to the user’s expertise, not the other way around.
For non-technical users: plain language over jargon, explanations focused on outcomes, clear guidance on what actions will do.
For power users: precise terminology where it matters, full control and visibility when requested, no artificial constraints or patronising abstractions.
Respect the user’s intelligence at every level.
5. Helpful by default
The interface actively helps users succeed: inline guidance, sensible defaults, clear empty states. Errors explain what went wrong, why, and how to fix it. The system feels like a collaborator, not a gatekeeper.
When a user is stuck, look to the system first.
6. Designed for real work
Optimised for how people actually work, not how systems are structured. Supports interruptions, partial completion, returning later. Common paths are fast; edge cases are handled gracefully. Information-dense views support scanning, comparison, and bulk actions without overwhelming.
The admin exists to support work, not document it.
7. Scales gracefully
Works equally well for small, simple setups and large, complex organisations. No painted corners where growth breaks usability. Information architecture anticipates scale.
Today’s edge case is tomorrow’s core use case.
8. Fast enough to disappear
Performance is part of the experience. Sluggish interfaces undermine trust regardless of visual design. Interactions feel immediate; loading states are informative, not apologetic. Speed supports flow.
The best tools stay out of the way.
9. Quiet confidence
No unnecessary flourish. Clear, calm, purposeful UI. Design supports decisions without demanding attention.
The best admin UI is felt more than noticed.
10. Accessible always
Usable by everyone, regardless of ability, device, or context. Accessibility is a design constraint from the start, not a remediation task. Keyboard navigation, screen reader support, sufficient contrast, and clear focus states are baseline expectations.
If it doesn’t work for everyone, it doesn’t work.
11. Secure by design
Security and privacy are design decisions, not technical afterthoughts. Our approach aligns with the standards our clients and partners expect.
ISO 27001 — We protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability through systematic risk management. Security is embedded across all architecture layers: business, data, application, and network. Access controls are role-based, auditable, and follow least-privilege principles. Systems are designed to fail securely.
Cyber Essentials Plus — We maintain the five technical controls that defend against common threats: boundary firewalls and internet gateways, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and security update management. All of this is reflected in how we build and operate admin interfaces.
GDPR Article 25 — Privacy by design and by default. Personal data is minimised: we collect only what’s needed, display only what’s relevant, retain only what’s required. Default settings are the most privacy-protective option. Interfaces don’t leak information through error messages, URL structures, verbose logging, or careless display patterns. Sensitive data is shown only to those who need it, in contexts where it’s appropriate.
Destructive or high-risk actions require appropriate friction. Access is clear and auditable. State changes are explainable.
If it doesn’t need to be collected, we don’t collect it. If it doesn’t need to be shown, we don’t show it.
Get in touch if you would like to find out how our Digital Innovation Platforms can reduce workload and admin headaches.