Optimizing the Notion Data Management Experience
Notion UX Redesign: Improving Database Management Efficiency
Recently, I explored using Notion to build a UX knowledge base. Unfortunately, the experience was frustrating — particularly around Database management. Poor interaction design made operating the panel feel awkward, greatly reducing efficiency.
To address this, I created a simple redesign case showing a more user-friendly solution.
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1. Analysis of Notion’s Data Module Management Panel
When you create a Database module in Notion and click its management icon, a window appears for managing style, attributes, display, and functions.
Inline Editing vs. Management Panel
- If style customization isn’t important, you can edit directly within the module.
- If you want design-driven effects or multiple views, you’ll spend a lot of time in the management panel.
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Problem Summary
Problem 1: Unintuitive Feature Categorization
- Frequently used actions (e.g., adding attributes) are buried near the bottom.
- Attribute visibility toggles are confusingly placed.
- “Copy link” feels misplaced.
- Grouping of data source management and lock features lacks logic.
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Problem 2: Excessive Hierarchy Depth
- Multiple sub-panels with similar designs cause cognitive load.
- Example for creating an attribute:
- Open attributes panel
- Open “create new” panel
- Choose attribute type (new panel)
- Edit properties (yet another panel)
- Returning to the first panel requires repeated Back clicks.
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Problem 3: Panel Position Jumps
- Position changes when switching levels.
- Popup location depends on viewport space, causing unpredictable jumps.
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Problem 4: Sub-item Repositioning
- Sub-items start under “more settings” but jump to top-level lists after activation.
- Panel layout changes abruptly, breaking consistency.
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Overall:
Feature overload + inconsistent layout + unclear navigation = poor user experience.
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2. Optimization Strategy
We target these key improvements:
- Information Display Optimization
- Group and order features by user intent and mental models.
- Reduce Navigation Depth
- Keep most actions inside a single panel.
- Interaction & Visual Consistency
- Standardize all panel behaviors.
- Contextual Popup Positioning
- Keep focus where the user is working.
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Defining the Interaction Framework
We establish:
- Primary component panels
- Sub-panels
- Collapsible panels
- Popup position rules
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3. Design Practices
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Panel Position Improvements
- Panels expand downward from the management icon.
- If space is insufficient, allow vertical scrolling instead of jumping.
- This approach avoids “up/down” panel jumps, improving predictability.
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Homepage Panel Redesign
Changes:
- Frequently used properties (Name, Type, Properties) moved to the top.
- Removed “more” toggle — now everything is visible by default.
- Added bottom action bar with link, lock, and calendar options.
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Collapsible Panels for Property Editing
- Selecting a type no longer opens a subpage.
- Panel settings merged with display options for convenience.
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In-Panel Property Creation
- Add properties directly with collapsible expansion.
- Confirm before completion.
- Success is indicated via highlight animation.
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Group Interaction Improvements
- Reduced hierarchy jumps.
- Provided clear animation feedback after actions.
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4. Comparison Reference
After redesign:
- Operations stay within one panel more often.
- Layout is clearer and predictable.
- Frequent actions are accessible at the top.
Here’s a visual summary:
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5. Conclusion
Improving small interaction details can significantly boost usability.
Interaction design is still hard for AI to master — effective abstract patterns require human experience and judgment.
If you want to level up your interaction design skills, consider my courses:
- Consumer-side Experience Design (early bird)
- Major Update | Consumer Experience Design Masterclass
- B-side Product Design (final batch this year)
- Boost Your B-side Design Skills
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Thanks for reading — see you next time!
