UI & UX design explained
Differences between UI design and UX design
UI and UX design these are terms every newbie designer hears so often and even at times uses them interchangeably. Despite these terms being related they do not mean the same thing. User interface (UI) design is the design of visual components of the software product it focuses more on the looks (typography, colors and layouts). The function of UI design is to make an interface that is usable for the user and also visually appealing.
User experience (UX) concerns itself with the user’s interaction when using a software product. UX design encompassed UI design, user research, testing together with other principles to ensure the designed product is usable.
Simply put, UI cares about how something is designed, and UX cares more about how the user experiences it when using it.
Why are UX and UI often used together?
UI and UX design go together because both are needed in the making of a usable product. A product with good interface but does not meet user needs will be useless and a well researched product but with not so great interface will not encourage users to use it. In large companies these roles may be separated but more often than not these roles are performed by a single person who starts by conducting research and analytics then produces the mockups and wireframes of the product.
Principles of UI/UX design
Illustration obtained from stories.freepik.com
Focus on user
UX design is closely linked to user centered design. This means all throughout the design process the focus should be on the user’s needs. A designer can not rely on their own assumptions to solve user problems but rather must involve the user often. Focusing on the user also helps to remember who is the target user of the product you’re designing.
Consistency
For your site or app to be easy for the user to use, there should be consistency in the designs. This means the design of some layouts and functionalities should be similar. Consistency involves similar design of repetitive components across all pages and use of similar colors for actions or messages. This is achieved in design by having design systems that designers adhere to.
Hierarchy
This is how information is organized in the application or website referred to information architecture. For a software product to have proper hierarchy the flow of information should be such that the most important information should stand out and be easily noticed by the user e.g. using larger font, bold text. Proper hierarchy enables the user to easily navigate a site or app even as a first time user.
Accessibility
This means designing products so they’re easy for users with disabilities to use. When designing software products our aim is to have as many targeted users as possible using it. As designers we should aim to include all people by eliminating obstacles that prevent a certain group of users from using our software. It is important for the products we design to be inclusive.
Simplicity
A design should contain all the necessary functionalities for the user without overwhelming or confusing the user. Thus when designing it is important to avoid unnecessary components that add no value to the design. This also helps to have just the right amount of white space in the design for design components to be properly spaced out.
