A mass spectrometry system having a simplified control interface includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes instructions that when executed cause the processor to perform the steps of providing a user interface including a plurality of adjustment elements for adjusting at least one results effective parameter and at least one sample descriptive parameter; determining a plurality of instrument control parameters based on the at least one results effective parameter and the at least one sample descriptive parameter; and analyzing a sample while operating according to the plurality of instrument control parameters.