Current Issues with the Consent Module

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 70 views

Introduction

The current method for specifying consent requirements is sub-optimal, leading to confusion and frustration among users. The existing interface is cluttered, and the logic behind it is counter-intuitive. In this article, we will explore the issues with the current version and propose a more efficient and user-friendly approach to specifying consent requirements.

Current Issues with the Consent Module

The current consent module is plagued by several issues that make it difficult to use and understand. Some of the selected issues include:

Counter-intuitive Switches: When selecting a "base consent" that doesn't require any additional permissions apart from general processing, some switches need to be moved to the right, while others need to be moved to the left. This is counter-intuitive, as switches should be designed in a way that the most restrictive or permissive setting is always on the right or left.
Typos and Errors: The current version contains a typo, "EinwEilligung," which is a clear indication of a lack of attention to detail.
Inability to Ignore Unimportant Settings: Users are unable to simply ignore consent settings that are not important to them. Instead, they need to specify a yes/no answer, which can be confusing. How is "no" treated? Will it also match consents where no information is provided for this question at all?
Limited Expressiveness: The current module does not allow users to specify complex consent requirements, such as "has either accepted A and B, or accepted B and C."

Proposed Solution: Treating Consent as Any Other Module

Our proposed solution is to treat the consent module as any other module, allowing users to specify inclusion and exclusion criteria with and/or and restrictions on the values per field, etc. This approach would eliminate the need for a separate specification UI for consent information.

Benefits of the Proposed Solution

The proposed solution offers several benefits, including:

Improved User Experience: The new interface would be more intuitive and easier to use, reducing user frustration and increasing productivity.
Increased Expressiveness: Users would be able to specify complex consent requirements, such as "has either accepted A and B, or accepted B and C."
Reduced Errors: The new interface would eliminate the need for users to specify yes/no answers for unimportant settings, reducing the likelihood of errors.
Improved Consistency: The new interface would be consistent with other modules, making it easier for users to learn and use.

Designing the New Interface

To design the new interface, we would follow these guidelines:

Use a Consistent Layout: The new interface should have a consistent layout, with clear headings and labels.
Use Clear and Concise Language: The language used in the interface should be clear and concise, avoiding technical jargon and complex terminology.
Use Visual Hierarchy: The interface should use a visual hierarchy to draw attention to important information and guide the user's attention.
Use Feedback Mechanisms: The interface should provide feedback mechanisms, such as tooltips and error messages, to help users understand the consequences of their actions.

Implementation Roadmap

To implement the new interface, we would follow this roadmap:

Research and Analysis: Conduct research and analysis to identify the current pain points and areas for improvement.
Design and Prototyping: Design and prototype the new interface, using user-centered design principles and feedback mechanisms.
Testing and Iteration: Test the new interface with a small group of users and iterate on the design based on feedback.
Launch and Deployment: Launch and deploy the new interface, providing training and support to users.

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the issues with the current consent module and proposed a more efficient and user-friendly approach to specifying consent requirements. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the proposed solution and provide additional insights into the design and implementation of the new interface.

Q: Why do we need to change the current consent module?

A: The current consent module is plagued by several issues, including counter-intuitive switches, typos, and limited expressiveness. These issues make it difficult for users to specify consent requirements accurately and efficiently. By changing the current module, we can improve the user experience, increase expressiveness, and reduce errors.

Q: How will the new interface be designed?

A: The new interface will be designed using user-centered design principles, with a focus on clarity, simplicity, and consistency. We will use a consistent layout, clear and concise language, and visual hierarchy to guide the user's attention. The interface will also provide feedback mechanisms, such as tooltips and error messages, to help users understand the consequences of their actions.

Q: Will the new interface be more complex than the current one?

A: No, the new interface will be designed to be more intuitive and easier to use, not more complex. We will use a more logical and consistent approach to specifying consent requirements, making it easier for users to understand and use.

Q: How will the new interface handle complex consent requirements?

A: The new interface will allow users to specify complex consent requirements, such as "has either accepted A and B, or accepted B and C." We will use a more expressive and flexible approach to specifying consent requirements, making it easier for users to specify complex requirements.

Q: Will the new interface be compatible with existing systems and processes?

A: Yes, the new interface will be designed to be compatible with existing systems and processes. We will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the new interface integrates seamlessly with existing systems and processes.

Q: How will the new interface be tested and validated?

A: The new interface will be tested and validated through a series of user testing and feedback sessions. We will work with a small group of users to test the interface and provide feedback, and then iterate on the design based on the feedback.

Q: When can we expect the new interface to be launched?

A: We anticipate launching the new interface within the next 6-12 months, depending on the progress of the design and implementation phases.

Q: Who will be responsible for maintaining and updating the new interface?

A: The new interface will be maintained and updated by a dedicated team of developers and designers, who will work closely with stakeholders to ensure that the interface remains up-to-date and relevant.

Q: How will the new interface be communicated to users?

A: We will communicate the new interface to users through a series of training sessions, user guides, and online resources. We will also provide support and feedback mechanisms to help users understand and use the new interface.

Conclusion

The proposed solution to the current consent module is a more efficient and user-friendly approach to specifying consent requirements. By answering frequently asked questions and providing additional insights into the design and implementation of the new interface, we can better understand the benefits and challenges of the proposed solution. We hope that this Q&A article has provided valuable information and insights into the proposed solution.