Design Patterns: What They Are and Why They Matter
Have you ever noticed that some websites, apps, or other digital products look and feel similar? Maybe they have similar layout, navigation, or interaction patterns. This is no coincidence — it’s the result of design patterns.
Design patterns are reusable solutions to common design problems. They are like templates or blueprints that designers can use to create consistent and effective user interfaces. Design patterns can save time, effort, and resources, as they eliminate the need to reinvent the wheel for every new project.
Design patterns can be classified into several categories, such as layout patterns, navigation patterns, interaction patterns, and form patterns. Here are some examples of each category:
Layout patterns:
- Grid layout
- Card layout
- Magazine layout
- Thumbnail layout
- Split-screen layout
- Full-screen layout
Navigation patterns:
- Dropdown menu
- Hamburger menu
- Tabbed navigation
- Breadcrumbs
- Pagination
- Infinite scrolling
Interaction patterns:
- Drag and drop
- Swipe
- Pinch and zoom
- Hover
- Click and hold
- Carousel
Form patterns:
- Input field
- Checkbox
- Radio button
- Dropdown list
- Toggle switch
- Submit button
These are just a few examples of design patterns — there are many more out there. Some design patterns are more common or popular than others, depending on the context, audience, and purpose of the product.
Design patterns are not only useful for designers, but also for users. When users encounter familiar design patterns, they can quickly and easily understand how to use the product. They don’t have to learn new interfaces from scratch every time. Design patterns can also create a sense of comfort, trust, and satisfaction among users, as they feel in control and confident.
However, design patterns can also have drawbacks. If design patterns are overused, they can become boring, predictable, and uninspired. Users may feel that they have seen the same interface over and over again, and may lose interest or engagement. Design patterns can also be limiting, as they may not fit every situation or goal. Designers should use design patterns judiciously, and balance familiarity with novelty, consistency with creativity, and convention with innovation.
Design patterns can be found in various sources, such as design libraries, design systems, design guidelines, and design inspiration websites. Here are some examples of design pattern resources:
Material Design by Google: https://material.io/design/
Apple Human Interface Guidelines: https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/
Nielsen Norman Group: https://www.nngroup.com/articles/
PatternTap: https://www.patterntap.com/
UI-Patterns: https://ui-patterns.com/
These resources provide not only design patterns, but also explanations, examples, and best practices. They help designers learn, apply, and adapt design patterns to their specific projects.
In conclusion, design patterns are a powerful tool for designers to create effective, efficient, and enjoyable user interfaces. Design patterns can save time, effort, and resources, while also enhancing user experience and satisfaction. Design patterns should be used with care, balance, and creativity, to avoid monotony, predictability, and limitation. Design patterns are not a substitute for innovation, but rather a foundation for it.
