UI
(User Interface) design is the practice of
creating interfaces for software and machines. The end goal is enhanced user experience
through increased satisfaction. The art
of UI lies in predicting users’ needs and using those to create powerful
tailor-made experiences.
Statistics
by @InVisionApp states that Judgments on website credibility are 75% based on a
website’s overall aesthetics. 75% is a pretty steep figure to ignore if you ask
me. The whole point of having a website is to have it boost sales. Imagine having 75% of the traffic writing off
your website because of its aesthetics. They never even took a minute to look
at it. Absolute disaster honestly. This shows just how vital it is for
designers to apply more effort on UI.
This
might seem like a tall order and I have rounded up the top 7 crème tips that
will leave you more confident in tackling UI like a pro and achieving your
company’s desired end result.
1 – Simplicity
In
his book on the laws of simplicity, John Maeda says simplicity is about
subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. And we can’t agree more with this statement.
As a designer it is of utmost importance to you that the interface which you
design for the user has elements which are easily understood by the user. The
ease at which the user navigates through the interface should be your highest
priority.
2 – Strategic Use of texture and color
When
you visit a prestigious hotel for the first time, your eyes are usually in for
a treat. The different color, textures and shapes make the stay worth the
while. The centerpiece, the lighting, every single moment is filled with awe.
It goes without saying that the interface is somewhat like a room that someone
visits, your design will determine whether or not their time is worth their
while.
3 – Purposing Your Defaults
Think
about this, when you purchase a new IPhone, you dedicate a couple of hours
changing the default settings set by the factory, right? As the saying goes, if
it’s working, no need to fix it. Most people have neither the patience nor the
time to dedicate in trying to alter the default settings. Every UI designer should use this is as their
cue to making sure the default values are as useful as they are practical.
Lessen the burden for the user, they trust your expertise already, prove them
right.
4 – Leading Questions
So
in a court of law the jury will tell you that leading the questions is
unaccepted. But when it comes to designing the UI, it’s completely acceptable.
Imagine attending an interview where there is a pre-filled from for you that
acts as suggestion or a guideline. How cool is that? Who wants to think for
themselves anyway? When the users come to your site, they want to feel at ease
knowing that you thought of them and figured it all out before they knew they
would need you to.
5 – Unsolicited Feedback
Unsolicited
sounds pretty invasive I know but trust me on this, it’s a total winner in this
scenario. Have you ever worked under a supervisor that monitored you as you
worked and always let you know which path you were heading on? You never asked
for it, but how much calmer did it make you feel? Everyone likes to be a little
less frustrated by knowing the consequences of their actions. Let your
interface do this for your users. Increase their confidence. Give the illusion
of control by ensuring they are aware of all their actions.
6 – Keep Things Handy
This
should be the easiest and most basic concept to apply but you’d be surprised at
how many UI designers get this wrong. The elements of the interface should be
practical almost like in a real life situation. The user should be able to
complete an action with ease with regard to the design of the interface.
7 – Consistency
Consistency
breeds mastery, is that how that saying goes? But it does. Throughout your
whole interface, maintain consistency by using familiar elements. The purpose
is to make the users feel comfortable while exploring your interface. I can
assure you nobody likes the feeling of perpetual exam mode. When the users know
what to expect, then you are winning. This definitely solidifies our first
point about simplicity.
Conclusion
I
am pretty sure that by now, you are excited and elated at this information. UI design is the absolute game changer
for your growing business. The traffic on your website will be converted to
absolute believers. They will fall in love with your thought process and buy
into your products. UI is the magic that you need to the beginning of
successful sales.
