Tables are a ubiquitous UI element used across various products and industries. However, creating a table design that is both consistent and flexible enough to accommodate diverse use cases can be a daunting challenge. The authors, Havana Nguyen and Ada Rafalowicz were tasked with designing a standard table UI pattern that could be used across multiple product lines at CareerBuilder.

The key to their success was a methodical approach that involved defining the core user goals, identifying the main design challenges, and breaking down the table into smaller, manageable components. By starting with a clear understanding of the problem, they could generate efficient design solutions and validate them through user testing.

The article delves into the various components of a table, including pagination, edit modes, call-to-action treatments, table customization, truncation, and imagery and iconography. Each element is explored in detail, with the authors sharing their thought process and the lessons they learned.