Good User Interfaces Follow Design Standards
Modern web design is a dynamic, interactive, ongoing process. Rarely is a webpage or mobile app ever perfectly crafted- there is almost always some improvement to be made. As popular trends and preferences shift, users expect developers to understand, accommodate, and adjust to their needs. That said, some universal design standards should be respected, regardless of the end goal.
Accessibility
Whether it’s a page on a website, a menu on a mobile app, a simple spreadsheet or online shopping cart, users should be able to easily operate it. Tabs, shortcuts, and preview options can greatly improve user accessibility by organizing and cataloging valuable content. Toolbars can be helpful, as well, if they’re clearly labeled and visible.
Top-notch accessibility also involves highlighting contact and support options. When designing a great user interface (UI), try to see through your users’ eyes. Just how difficult is it to contact a staff member or submit a support ticket? Users will likely need help at some point, regardless of how intuitive your interface may be, and it’s important to make getting help as easy as possible.
Consistency
Users expect digital interfaces to be straightforward. Therefore, as a rule, if a function has worked well in the past, it’s best to keep it in place. Some design features have become ubiquitous, like search bars, drop-down menus, and social media buttons, and they work so well because they’re consistent across multiple platforms. These essential elements are frequently included in excellent user interfaces.
It should go without saying that a brand’s logo should be clearly displayed near the top of a webpage or mobile app. It’s also commonplace to locate tabs near the top to easily guide users around the platform. Overall, branding should be consistent across the entire platform. This means the same fonts, sizes, and colors should be used throughout mobile, tablet, and desktop formats to give users a sense of coherence. For example, see how True North’s home , SEO , and blog pages keep a consistent format from top to bottom, with key items remaining consistent.
Again, it is helpful to put yourself in a user’s shoes- how quickly can one navigate to their desired digital destination without getting lost?
Clarity
User experience (UX) and UI are but two sides of the same coin. Without going into too much detail, UX hinges on the quality of an interface, as a user’s experience is unlikely to be positive if they are frustrated and unable to operate the platform. Clarity ultimately means that users know what to do on a given platform at any given time.
One major way to improve clarity is to reduce visual clutter. Too much “noise” on a webpage or mobile app can slow loading times and distract users, making it more difficult for them to navigate pages and locate valuable information. Eliminate any ambiguity by streamlining the UI, leaving only what’s useful, expected, and necessary. That way, users will feel personally rewarded when they have a great online experience with your interface.
Feedback
The best interfaces encourage users along in their respective ways. Consider what happens when you want to place an order online. Are you given a preview before ordering? How do you know if the order was accepted? Do you receive a confirmation email? Users want to be reassured at every step during an online experience.
The simplest things can improve digital feedback, from pop-ups and confirmations, to loading icons and button animations. If a user takes an action on your website or mobile app, acknowledge it immediately, and they will reciprocate by continuing to use your platform.
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