The Basis of UI Design

What is UI Design?

The processing of designing any excellent software product — such as a mobile app, web app, website, video game, or UI for a new piece of hardware — requires an acute focus on functionality and aesthetics. A user interface (UI) is a digital medium that a user interacts with; it’s the visual representation of the link between the user and its interactive functionality. To put it simply, the UI makes up the personality and brand of the product.

Not to get confused with a graphic designer, a UI designer’s role is to own and design all elements that a product’s users will interact with. Remember, users “buy” into a product or service with their eyes first. Combine a great first impression with an excellent value proposition, and you have a chance to grow your product into something special.

What makes a good UI?

A UI should be intuitive, easily readable, and aesthetically pleasing. A good UI works — users can use the product as they please without the user interface getting in the way. A good UI allows a user to subconsciously predict and understand the action required to achieve the desired outcome and make the data displayed easy to digest…

10 Rules of Good Design by Dieter Rams

1. Innovative (ex. Twitter’s “Pull to refresh” interaction pattern) — Technical innovations often facilitate new interactions and potential designs.
2. Makes a product useful — It has to satisfy functional criteria along with psychological and aesthetic criteria.
3. Aesthetic (well-planned layout, the Golden Ratio, etc.) — The aesthetic quality is integral to its utility because the products we use daily affect our person and well-being.
4. Long-lasting — Lasts many years (Even in today’s throwaway society).
5. Makes a product understandable — Clarifies the product’s structure.
6. Unobtrusive (try not to fall into the trap of form above function) — The design should be natural and restrained, leaving room for users’ self-expression.
7. Honest — The design doesn’t make the product more valuable than it is (does not attempt to manipulate the consumer with unfilled promises).
8. Thorough down to the last detail — Care and accuracy in the design process.
9. Environmentally friendly — Conserves resources and minimizes physical and visual pollution.
10. As little design as possible (less is more) —Product is not burdened with non-essentials.

UI Fundamentals

The Rule of Similarity

Visually similar objects are categorized as part of a group (the most substantial similarity is color first, then size and shape).

The Rule of Closure

A set of objects can naturally form a recognizable shape as our brain finishes incomplete figures for us.

The Rule of Symmetry

Symmetry is king — conveys that objects are connected (our brain loves balance).

The Rule of Continuity

Objects aligned along a continuous line are naturally grouped as our brains are always looking for the smoothest path to follow.

Sharp corners are slightly slower to process, as our eyes have to pause and 90-degree turn on each side; a smoother, rounded edge will help our eyes go around much faster.

The Aesthetic Usability Effect

A visually attractive (high aesthetic) product is often seen as more useful and builds more trust.

Final Words

UI designs are successful when users can judge designs quickly and primarily care about the product; the UI is not frustrating and communicates brand values that reinforce the users’ trust. The design should always come after getting their tasks done efficiently with minimal effort (keeping it simple but attractive). Therefore, the design should also be “invisible,” allowing the users to focus more on UI usability. Consequently, you must understand the users’ context to fine-tune the most intuitive UIs that deliver a seamless experience. Good design is emotional. Users associate positive feelings with brands that speak to them at all levels and keep the magic of pleasurable and seamless experiences alive.

“…the design should also be “invisible,” allowing the users to focus more on UI usability.”

We’re Here to Help

Now that you better understand good UI designs, you’re one step closer to creating interfaces that users can find easy and intuitive use.

At M&S Consulting, we understand that designing the best UI can be arduous. Whether you’re looking to take the next step, ask questions, or want a general consultation, we’d love to help! Visit our website (www.mandsconsulting.com) to learn more today.