Oversiktlige

Oversiktlige is a Norwegian adjective used to describe something that is easy to grasp at a glance or presents information in a clear, well-organized way. It derives from oversikt ("overview") and the suffix -lig, forming oversiktlig meaning "clear for overview"; oversiktlige is the plural form when describing multiple items.

In practice, oversiktlighet is a property of information design, user interfaces, documents and signage where rapid comprehension is the goal. It is common in dashboards, reports, educational materials, and websites. A thing described as oversiktlig typically features a coherent structure, consistent typography, concise labels, logical grouping, and effective use of white space and color to signal hierarchy.

Design principles linked to oversiktlighet include clear navigation, scannable layouts, modular content blocks, and predictable patterns. Information is arranged to minimize cognitive load, with the most important items presented prominently and supporting details easily accessible. The term is often contrasted with cluttered or dense layouts where the overview is hard to obtain.

In practice, oversiktlighet contributes to accessibility by aiding comprehension for diverse users, including those with cognitive or sensory differences. While not a formal standard, the concept is valued in information architecture, usability, and instructional design.

See also: readability, information architecture, usability, visual hierarchy.