Stop Creativity in UI/UX, It’s Time to Define Domain Philosophies First
In the ever-evolving realm of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design, creativity knows no bounds. It’s a dynamic and imaginative process where designers transform ideas into engaging digital experiences. However, recent years, particularly fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic, have witnessed a surge in the digital transformation of various industries. This brings us to an important question: Should there be standardized UI/UX design principles for specific domains? This blog explores the necessity of domain-specific UI/UX design standards and the evolution of design philosophies in the digital age.
The Diversity of Creative Expression
UI/UX design thrives on creativity and the freedom to explore new ideas. When multiple designers are given the same requirements, they can come up with entirely different designs. This diversity is the essence of creative innovation, and it has always been an integral part of the design process.
The Changing Landscape
In the past, creative design was associated with fields such as art and fashion, where subjective interpretation reigned supreme. However, the rapid digitization of various industries through web and mobile applications has triggered a transformation. In this new landscape, it is becoming increasingly important to consider standardized UI/UX design.
Domain-Specific Design Standards
In many traditional industries, there are well-established design principles and guidelines. For example, in car manufacturing, there are specific rules governing the number of wheels, the inclusion of a steering wheel, and other fundamental aspects. The same applies to various engineering disciplines. In contrast, the world of software design lacks universally accepted design philosophies and standards.
The Case for Standardization
While it is true that diversity in UI/UX design fosters creativity, there are compelling reasons to consider domain-specific standards. Here are some arguments in favor of standardization:
User Familiarity
Standardized designs provide a sense of familiarity to users, making it easier for them to navigate and use applications across different domains.
Efficiency and Consistency
Domain-specific design standards promote efficiency in development and ensure a consistent user experience, reducing the learning curve for users.
Cost Savings
Standardized design practices can lead to cost savings for businesses, as they reduce the need for extensive customization and development.
Examples of Standardization
To better illustrate the concept of domain-specific design standards, let’s take a look at some real-world examples:
Streaming Applications
Consider popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. These apps share similar navigation patterns, with tabs for genres, search bars, and featured content. This standardization simplifies user interaction and enhances the overall streaming experience.
Social Media Apps
Social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, have adopted similar design patterns. They all feature news feeds, profiles, and direct messaging functionality. This consistency ensures that users can effortlessly transition between these apps.
The Call for Action
It is high time for the UI/UX design community to collaborate and develop standardized design principles for specific domains. Just as hospitals and restaurants follow established design guidelines, software UI/UX should adhere to domain-specific laws of design.
Lets make the Unconscious shift Conscious
The trend toward standardization in UI/UX design is not only evident in streaming applications and social media platforms. Here, we explore more examples and points that showcase the unconscious shift toward domain-specific design standards:
E-Commerce Websites In the world of e-commerce, the layout and navigation of websites have become increasingly standardized. Online shopping websites, such as Amazon and eBay, often feature consistent elements such as search bars, product categories, and shopping carts. This standardization makes it easier for users to shop across different platforms, fostering a sense of trust and familiarity.
Travel and Booking Apps Travel and booking apps, like Airbnb and Expedia, have embraced common design patterns. Users expect to find search filters, location maps, and user reviews in a similar format. This not only simplifies the user experience but also reduces the learning curve for travelers exploring different destinations and accommodations.
Healthcare and Telemedicine Platforms The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and healthcare apps. Many of these platforms now follow standardized layouts, with features like appointment scheduling, virtual consultations, and electronic health records. Patients and healthcare providers benefit from this consistency, which streamlines access to medical services.
Educational Platforms In the field of education, the demand for online learning platforms has surged. Common design elements include user profiles, course catalogs, video lectures, and quizzes. This standardization not only enhances the user experience for students but also simplifies the development of educational tools.
Banking and Finance Apps Banking and financial institutions have recognized the importance of standardizing user interfaces. Online banking apps typically offer features like account overviews, transaction histories, and fund transfers. Standardization ensures that customers can efficiently manage their finances across different banks and platforms.
Food Delivery Services Food delivery and restaurant aggregator apps, such as Uber Eats and Grubhub, have adopted similar design principles. They include restaurant listings, menu exploration, and order tracking features. This consistency improves the overall user experience for those seeking food delivery services.
The Role of User Expectations Users are growing accustomed to certain design elements in specific domains. When they encounter a new app or website, they instinctively look for familiar features. The unconscious shift toward domain-specific design standards reflects the importance of meeting user expectations and delivering intuitive experiences.
The Emergence of Design Patterns , which are recurring solutions to common UI/UX challenges, have gained prominence. These patterns encompass navigation menus, content layout, and interactive elements. As designers and developers share best practices, these design patterns contribute to the standardization of UI/UX across domains.
Collaborative Industry Efforts Recognizing the benefits of domain-specific design standards, industry organizations and communities are beginning to collaborate on establishing guidelines. These efforts aim to define common design patterns, best practices, and accessibility standards for specific domains, further driving the unconscious shift toward standardization.
Conclusion:
The world of UI/UX design is at a crossroads. While creativity remains the driving force, the need for domain-specific design standards is becoming increasingly evident. Standardization offers a familiar, efficient, and cost-effective solution that can enhance the user experience and streamline development. As we continue to digitize various industries, the time has come to embrace the idea of a law of design based on domains, ensuring that software screens and designs resonate with users around the world. In the end, domain-specific design standards might just be the key to a more user-friendly and harmonized digital future.
