Deciding on the type and level of information

To keep from overloading the user's short-term memory, information presented in a SUI must generally be more concise than information presented visually. It is common to present only the most essential information initially, then give users the opportunity to access detailed information.

For example, consider a banking application in which a user can request a list of recently cleared checks. In a visual interface, the application might return a table showing the check number, date cleared, payee name, and amount. A similar application with a speech interface might return only the check number and date cleared, and then permit the user to select a specific check number to hear the payee name and amount, if desired.