Take a look at the images above. Image A showcases a well-designed UI compared to Image B. Which one do you think users would prefer?
Despite the appealing designs in Image A, users tend to favour the designs in Image B. This preference arises from the efficient layout in Image B, even though its UI may not be as polished. The layout in Image B facilitates quicker task completion for users compared to Image A.
In Image A, rooms are organized in a grid layout, whereas in Image B, they follow a tabbed layout. When comparing the two, completing tasks in Image B takes less time than in Image A.
To elaborate, in Image A, users need to click on the room and then toggle the appliances on or off. On the other hand, in Image B, users are already within the room, allowing them to toggle appliances more swiftly than in Image A.
Effectively leveraging these layout systems can significantly enhance user efficiency in problem-solving.
In this blog post, we will explore “Layout Systems” and examine their benefits and impacts on users. Additionally, we will discuss the appropriate situations for implementing each layout system in our designs.
Contexts
- What is this “Layout System”?
- How can this help design better products?
- Classifications of Layout System
- What are the impacts on users, when using the right layout system?
- To Conclude…
What is this “Layout System”?
A “layout system” refers to a set of rules, techniques, or frameworks that define how elements and components are arranged and positioned within a user interface.
It provides a structured approach to organising content on a webpage or screen, ensuring a visually appealing and user-friendly presentation. The choice of a layout system depends on the design requirements, user experience considerations, and the desired appearance of the interface.
How can this help design better products?
A proficient layout system contributes to product quality by maintaining a consistent user experience across devices, streamlining interactions, and promoting visual hierarchy. It enables adaptability to diverse screen sizes and supports efficient development through clean and maintainable code.
Well-organised layouts enhance clarity and accessibility. They also facilitate swift prototyping, ensure cross-platform uniformity, and positively influence user engagement. A capable layout system is forward-looking, accommodating changes without necessitating major redesigns, ensuring a visually appealing, user-friendly, and adaptable product.
Classifications of Layout System
Linear Layout:
- Description: A linear layout arranges elements sequentially to guide users through content or processes. This creates a step-by-step visual flow, facilitating a clear and intuitive user journey.
- Use Cases: Suitable for scenarios like onboarding experiences or tutorials, where presenting information in a sequential order enhances user understanding. Ensures a guided and straightforward user experience.
Grid Layout:
- Description: The grid layout system structures elements in a two-dimensional grid, providing a systematic approach to organizing and presenting content. It aligns elements along rows and columns for a balanced and visually appealing design.
- Use Cases: Well-suited for content-heavy applications, such as e-commerce websites, where structured organization of product listings, images, or data is essential. Also effective for dashboards presenting diverse information.
Card Layout:
- Description: Card layouts present content within individual cards, offering a modular and visually consistent way to display information. Each card typically contains a combination of text and visuals.
- Use Cases: Widely utilized in social media feeds, news apps, or platforms where modular content presentation is desired. Enhances visual appeal and provides a uniform structure for diverse types of content.
Then what’s the difference between Grid and Card you may ask,
- Card Layout: Focuses on presenting content within self-contained cards, offering a modular and visually cohesive design. It emphasizes individual units of content, encouraging interaction with each card independently.
- Grid Layout: Organizes content in a two-dimensional grid, providing a structured and systematic presentation. It offers flexibility in accommodating diverse content types within a consistent grid structure.
In practice, applications may use a combination of both card and grid layouts based on the specific design goals, content types, and user experience considerations. The choice between them depends on the desired visual presentation and the level of modularity required for the content.
Absolute Layout:
- Description: Absolute layouts position elements precisely based on explicit coordinates, offering fine control over their placement.
- Use Cases: Absolute layouts are employed for elements requiring exact positioning, like tooltips or overlays. It’s important to note that the use of absolute layout should be approached judiciously, especially considering the diverse screen sizes and resolutions of mobile devices.
Relative Layout:
- Description: A relative layout system, positions elements based on their relationship to other elements on the page, ensuring adaptability and responsiveness.
- Use Cases: Commonly used in responsive design to create layouts that adjust dynamically based on the surrounding elements. Ensures flexibility and maintains a cohesive design across different screen sizes.
These classifications are designed to address the organizational and visual aspects of interfaces in a manner that prioritizes user understanding and engagement, aligning with UX/UI design principles. The choice of a layout system depends on the project’s specific design goals, content structure, and desired user experience.
A single screen can utilise more than one layout system, and each layout system is chosen to complement the overall functionality and design goals of that specific screen. This approach allows us to leverage the strengths of different layout systems to create a cohesive and effective user interface.
What are the impacts on users, when using the right layout system?
Selecting the right layout system in UX/UI design plays a crucial role in enhancing the user experience. It ensures that content is well-organized, making it easier for users to comprehend information flow.
This choice supports intuitive navigation, creating a smoother and more engaging experience for users. Moreover, the layout contributes to clear and visually appealing presentations, optimizing the readability of both text and visual elements.
Consistency in the visual hierarchy is established through the right layout system, guiding users to focus on essential elements and actions seamlessly. Responsive design is another key aspect, allowing the interface to adapt gracefully across various screen sizes, ensuring accessibility and providing a cohesive experience across devices.
A well-designed layout positively influences aesthetics, contributing to a visually pleasing and attractive design. It also aids in efficient task completion by aligning with user expectations and creating an intuitive user interface. The layout system contributes to brand consistency by maintaining a unified look and feel across different sections of an application.
Furthermore, a user-friendly and visually appealing layout encourages increased engagement, making the overall experience more enjoyable for users. Finally, the choice of a versatile layout system ensures adaptability to future changes, allowing the interface to evolve seamlessly without the need for significant redesign efforts. In essence, the right layout system is a fundamental element in crafting a positive and user-centric UX/UI design.
To Conclude…
We’ve explored different layout systems and their impacts on user experience. The significance of choosing the right layout system becomes apparent in its positive effects on user understanding, navigation, readability, and engagement.
Remember, the key lies in aligning the chosen layout system with the specific goals and content requirements of your project. Whether it’s providing a seamless experience across devices or ensuring a consistent visual hierarchy, thoughtful design choices contribute to an enhanced user experience.
I hope this blog helped you learn something new!!! See you all in the next one! In the meantime, don’t miss out on these blogs below that can level up your design skills!!! Each read is a step closer to unlocking your full design potential. ⚡️🔐
