7 User Interface Design Commandments
User Interface design creates the first but long-lasting impression about your brand. A neat and intuitive design aesthetic makes it easier for users to take action, as it’s development is centered around users’ satisfaction and the product’s character, thus increasing the chances of long term success. Our UI designers dish out 7 unbreakable rules to create streamlined and effective User Interface.
Thou Shalt not Compromise on Clarity
Although the functionality of your UI design is vast, don’t allow it to congest the screen and create a cognitive overload for the user. Follow a visual order using grids. An effectual User Interface doesn’t need to explain itself, the design itself leads the user to explore the app’s functionality. Create a sleek and detailed design for each action but don’t facilitate more than 2 primary actions on one screen to avoid confusing new users.
Thou shalt keep it subtle
A keen understanding of how humans perceive information guided by visual cues offers a great insight into developing applications that are easy to navigate and self-evident. Usually, the content gives direction to the navigation but traditional ways to direct users forward include the Bottom Bar navigation. Here, a bottom bar with 3-6 recognizable icons is perpetually present in the application and users can be guided to the relevant page directly from any screen. Another popular way to direct navigation is the ever-present Menu icon that displays important pages/functions. Presenting information in lists or grids also helps direct users to scroll through essential data, but the visual order does not follow a hierarchy when extensive content is displayed in this way.
Thou shalt keep a consistent branding aesthetic
Your business is more likely to hit a chord with the masses if they can easily distinguish your application from others, and recognize your business from the colors, layout style and copies that go on your application. Consistent branding governs a user to relate a good experience to your business, thus making them come back for more.
Thou shalt keep your copy crisp
While content for websites can be comprehensive, applications renowned for an amazing user experience have one thing in common- their copies are crisp and directive, ensuring that the user is guided forth as one action leads to another even as they are devoid of redundant jargon.
Thou shalt design for optimum accessibility
Your app should be designed to include users with disabilities so that your application can affect and enhance the lives of a wider audience. Principles that prompt accessible usability include using high contrast colors, and using elements like icons and text along with color to help people with low visual acuity. Focus indicators that highlight elements when they are selected and using a variety of font sizes can help organize content for disable users who rely on text-to-speech to search.
Thou shalt be responsive
The humble desktop has taken a backseat as searches on handheld devices have soared in the past years. Up to 51% of all searches take place on mobiles/tablets, and voice search is predicted to facilitate 50% of all searches by 2020 as digital assistants are becoming the new neo-norm While people are flocking to newer methods of searching, companies with unresponsive applications not compatible with mobile or voice search lose out on a huge chunk of audience. In order to add value to your business, your applications should be compatible with all devices without compromising on the experience delivered.
Thou shalt follow changing industry trends
The digital design industry is witness to a frenetic pace of change which results in the emergence of new trends that strives to create better user experiences. UI designers should aim to update their knowledge to incorporate neo-trends to stand out, seek attention and provide smoother usability. To avail our UI/UX services for your company, reach out to us on our website.
