Designing Effective Entry Points

A point marking the physical or underlining entry into a design.

Good design is honest. — Dieter Rams

The expression “Never judge a book by its cover” being one unanimously accepted all around, seems to circulate and suit every kind of proposition. Nevertheless, it goes without saying, people do in fact judge a book by its cover as a primary instinct. The outward appearance of the first page or banner of a website determines the number of its clicks and likewise, buildings are judged and entered by the aesthetic of their lobbies. This introductory image of a system or environment leaves a lasting impression which thereby, influences the views and comprehension followed by a major effect on the quality of interactions.

The entry point of a system, in any Interface or environment, largely forms such attentional perspectives. Irksome errors in entry point design may put off visitors completely. For instance, entering many Internet sites involves undergoing the pain of slow-loading splash and main screens. Plus, the excessive pop-up windows with advertisements only help you gain a few curse words from visitors — especially if they were unable to find the desired information. So, not only does it create a distorted image of the site but also hinders further interactions. The essential features of a good entry point; therefore, comprise minimal barriers, points of prospect, and progressive lures.

Designing for Point of Anticipation

Research states that you have around 3 to 5 seconds to grab a visitor’s attention in order to have a positive impact on their perception and attitudes regarding the content on the site. Instead of infuriating designs, focusing more on and from the visitor’s outlook may aid in progression.

Entry points should enable people to become oriented and survey all available options in a clear manner. Points of prospect contain captivating entrances which offer a proper, organized view of the store layout and understandable aisle signs or Internet pages that provide fast orientation cues and good navigation all the while maintaining an engaging front page. Granting ample time and space to allow the visitor to review the various options calmly with the least possible impediment or disruption; they should not feel too bothered or hurried by the surroundings.

It is imperative to remember the significance of creating an alluring entry point in any UI interaction design in any sort of design discipline, particularly on the web which has a minimal attention span. In short, your first impression is literally going to be the last one; it can either make a user’s visit or break it. Whether opting for a traditional look or a flamboyant one, the rubrics of the main design should comply with the satisfaction of visitors.

Entry Points for User Flows

The term ‘entry point’ refers to the means by which a user initially discovers and accesses the website. A UX designer establishes the bridge of an entry point, allowing the users to flow through the site towards their ultimate aim with ease. Several forms of entry points in UI designs include social media, e-mails, call-to-action content, and direct links.

One of the most common entry points is through an organic search in which users reach a website after a keyword search which takes users directly into the content pageview. Other ways of entering websites can be promotions such as specific pay-per-click advertising or banner ads.

Let’s take a look at the remarkable example of the Spotify Music App. To design a music catalog that pleases all kinds of music lovers whether it be hip hop, country, classical or folk is quite the struggle. By designing simple points of interest across the main pages, as well as archival-functioning links on the right side with a list of curated playlists, nearly every type of user is given something that delights their taste buds. It also encompasses specific artists separately as well as casual browsers just looking to listen to something new according to their mood. The designers certainly knew what they were doing!

Minimal Barriers

Ever wanted to visit a store with the intention of purchasing a non-specific item but the horde of honking cars in the parking lot made you drive miles away from that area? Or entered a shop but the excessive, unnecessary clutter of noisy displays or several, unrequired sales staff cramming the place made you walk away immediately after stepping inside? Or perhaps the negligence to properly maintain the building front or make any creative attempts for an attractive look made you avert your face? All these are everyday examples of barriers to entry that act as obstacles to people from getting to and moving through an entry point.

As a general rule in any UX design, the cluttered, unnecessary design elements and more visually overwhelming the interface is, the more effort it will take for any users to focus. Takes more effort and focus, the less they will want to be there thus losing attention or interest.

Progressive Lures

“Lure” literally translates to persuasion and thus, should act as a means to entice and tempt people through the entry point. Captivating headlines on the newspaper front pages or smiling, compassionate greeters at stores or restaurants, or the display of popular products or destinations (e.g Hotel Lobbies), just beyond the entry point of a store are all progressive lures. The three roles of progressive lures are to approach, enter and move forward through the entry point to proceed with interactions.

All in all, firstly you should enhance the effectiveness of the entry point in your design by shrinking the barriers, building proper points of prospect, and making artistic use of progressive lures. Secondly, providing people with adequate time and space to skim through the opportunities for interaction at the entry point would deem your designing task a great success.