I think this is very well-made and I already have uses for it.
I’m not sure how intuitive it would be for someone who really doesn’t know math, and who was new to the concept of bayes’ theorem entirely. It’s easy to forget how confusing things (especially math-related things) can be once you have the benefit of hindsight.
I think something like a “show me an example” button that fills it with realistic data could help. With descriptive labels that connect the written description on the right with the different components in the visual representation. As well as a clearer “start here” visual on the screen. I know it seems obvious that “How to use” is where to start, but it didn’t immediately draw my attention when I opened the page, and I think that helps with accessibility.
If you really wanted to push accessibility, a “wizard” that asks questions to help you fill out the data, and that help clarify what questions those percentages are actually an answer to.
Really I think it’s great as-is. I only think it could be improved a little considering goal 2.
Thanks for the feedback, I’m really happy to hear that you already have uses for it!
You’re right about needing examples; I’m thinking I’ll add a tutorial that walks someone completely unfamiliar with Bayes’ theorem through what it means and how it works, with lots of examples. That will take a while to design and write though.
I’m curious to know if other people felt the same way “How to use” part. I’m reluctant to make it more attention grabbing, because I want it to feel unobtrusive. My current thinking is that the main interface will catch the user’s attention first, and if that’s not clear they’ll look at the wall of text to the right.
Instead of a wizard, I was thinking of adding a feature that explains what a specific component means when the user is hovering over it. Does that seem like it would address the issue adequately? I don’t like wizards because I feel like they get in the way, but maybe that’s an unusual preference.
Bayes’ theorem already has a tutorial! However, I think that more common examples than there will improve the page.
For example, “do I really have certain illness” isn’t as resonating as “does someone offend me intentionally”, though the latter is a bit too emotional. I think that “is certain letter fraud” would make a good example—for instance, it contains different pieces of evidence.
I think this is very well-made and I already have uses for it.
I’m not sure how intuitive it would be for someone who really doesn’t know math, and who was new to the concept of bayes’ theorem entirely. It’s easy to forget how confusing things (especially math-related things) can be once you have the benefit of hindsight.
I think something like a “show me an example” button that fills it with realistic data could help. With descriptive labels that connect the written description on the right with the different components in the visual representation. As well as a clearer “start here” visual on the screen. I know it seems obvious that “How to use” is where to start, but it didn’t immediately draw my attention when I opened the page, and I think that helps with accessibility.
If you really wanted to push accessibility, a “wizard” that asks questions to help you fill out the data, and that help clarify what questions those percentages are actually an answer to.
Really I think it’s great as-is. I only think it could be improved a little considering goal 2.
Relevant xkcd
Thanks for the feedback, I’m really happy to hear that you already have uses for it!
You’re right about needing examples; I’m thinking I’ll add a tutorial that walks someone completely unfamiliar with Bayes’ theorem through what it means and how it works, with lots of examples. That will take a while to design and write though.
I’m curious to know if other people felt the same way “How to use” part. I’m reluctant to make it more attention grabbing, because I want it to feel unobtrusive. My current thinking is that the main interface will catch the user’s attention first, and if that’s not clear they’ll look at the wall of text to the right.
Instead of a wizard, I was thinking of adding a feature that explains what a specific component means when the user is hovering over it. Does that seem like it would address the issue adequately? I don’t like wizards because I feel like they get in the way, but maybe that’s an unusual preference.
Bayes’ theorem already has a tutorial! However, I think that more common examples than there will improve the page.
For example, “do I really have certain illness” isn’t as resonating as “does someone offend me intentionally”, though the latter is a bit too emotional. I think that “is certain letter fraud” would make a good example—for instance, it contains different pieces of evidence.