Interfaces are becoming less dense: Comparing 2024 and 2000s software, spreading out is notable. UI density is about info provided over time and design decisions' value.

• Visual density: How many things seen in a space. Examples like Bloomberg's Terminal and Craigslist are visually dense. But visual density is subjective and unpredictable.
• Information density: Based on Edward Tufte's idea of "data-ink," it's the useful parts of a visualization. Calculated by dividing data-ink by total ink. Can be increased by adding data-ink or removing non-data-ink. Related to visual density but not the same.
• Design density: Gestalt principles explain how humans understand and interpret shapes. Design decisions use these principles to communicate meaning. Calculated as a gestalt ratio. Design density isn't perfect as biases affect assessment.
• Density in time: Loading times affect temporal density. Faster interfaces are more dense. For small time gaps, animations can make the app feel slower. Larger time gaps need different visual cues.
• Density in value: An example is breaking long forms into chunks. Increasing visual and temporal density without subtracting value increases overall value density. Google's UI showed more value density than Yahoo's.