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.