Data is collected about samples that possess characteristics that change over time and that are contained in any array of containers arranged in a container spatial relationship. A matrix of cells is displayed in a cell spatial relationship corresponding to the container spatial relationship. The matrix user interface allows a user to enter a large number of data points per minute, compared to conventional systems, which may require a user to swipe a bar code, enter an indicia, or enter a row/column position prior to entering data. Data collection of characteristics of samples also can be scheduled, by storing past values of the characteristics of the samples and also storing rules in a rule base. The rules determine whether a characteristic of a sample is to be data collected and, if so, identify the characteristic which is to be data collected, based on the past values of characteristics of samples.