I really like the status bar on the left of the window that gives an overview of all the pertinent information for your character. However, there is a lot of information there. When I'm running around through the dungeon, it is very easy for me to miss a change in status. For example, it is hard to tell that your encumbrance level went from Burdened to Strained. It is very hard to notice that you've been poisoned, or sickened, or any number of other things that might happen.

I would suggest that each status should also have an associated color. While it is hard to scan a column of text for one particular word, it is very easy to scan a column of text for one particular color. Using encumbrance as an example, Unencumbered could be shown in the normal grey, Burdened could be shown in yellow, Strained in red, and Overburdened in purple.

I consider this a fairly important issue. The interface to the game plays a big role in how accessible it is. If it is a headache-inducing strain to get vital information in the game, a lot of people won't bother.