UI design, also known as user interface design, refers to the design of an app or website’s interface. It incorporates everything from the aesthetics of interactive elements like checkboxes to progress bars, notifications, and everything in between.
To a non-technical entrepreneur, UI design can feel daunting and overwhelming. However, before you push it to the side to focus on other parts of your business, take a moment to ponder if it could serve you well to learn the basics. The following information might be more valuable than you think.
UX Design and UI Design Are Linked – But Different
While a UI design agency typically handles UX design, the two are different areas of an overall app or website’s development. A UX designer will manage the overall user experience while developing the app or website from scratch and navigating pain points. A UI designer will tailor the design to your target audience and the product’s purpose.
There are many steps in the UI design process, including understanding the context of the project, performing competitor analysis, designing UI elements and screens, and creating prototypes.
You Have to Be Consistent
When you’re an entrepreneur, developing a new app or website can be exciting, especially when you learn how many fun design principles there are, such as fonts, colors, icons, and buttons. As tempting as it can be to use as many fun features as possible, refrain from doing so.
Customers are looking for consistency. They want to see the same call to action on all pages, and they want to be reading content in the same font on the home page as what they can find for each of your products. You risk overwhelming and even losing a potential customer if you incorporate too many elements.
Don’t Forget Accessibility
It’s easy to assume that everyone can access your website or app similarly, but we all have different abilities. With this in mind, it’s crucial to make Web Content Accessibility Guidelines your priority when developing and designing any new app, software, or website.
Ensure all text and background colors have sufficient contrast and space around buttons and touchpoints. It’s also important not to use color alone to convey information and provide consistent and clear navigation options. If you’re unsure whether the site you’ve developed promotes accessibility for all, refer to the World Wide Web Consortium’s list of open standards.
Predictability Isn’t Boring
We all want our websites to stand out, so you might decide to implement edgy and unusual features to grab potential customers’ attention. While quirky and fun to you, out-of-the-box features can be more frustrating than exciting for customers.
Predictability might seem bland, but it can allow for a straightforward and stress-free navigation experience. For example, rather than putting the menu somewhere unique, like in a circle to the side of the screen, place it along the top where most site navigators expect to find it.
Use the Right Tools for the Job
Many entrepreneurs outsource UX and UI design because it often requires an expert’s input. Alongside needing skills like an eye for detail, an understanding of UX design, and knowledge of interaction design principles, you also need the right software and programs.
Sketch, Figma, and Adobe XD are among the most popular. You can use these three vector-based UI tools for drawing, wireframing, and prototyping.
The tips above should improve your chances of creating a user-friendly app or website. However, they might also make you see the importance of handing this vital job to the experts. Entrepreneurs might wear many hats, but they don’t have to wear them all.
Photo by Amélie Mourichon on Unsplash.
Be the first to comment