All of us live in a world where computers, mobile devices, artificial intelligence, apps, and user interfaces are standard. Hence, when we talk about "user experience", we are talking about one of the most fundamental aspects of modern human interaction -- and nearly everyone is implicated.
Our goal is not to stifle the design process. Even when you aren't sure of what you're doing, you should consider how to do it the best way before you dive in. Designers have to solve problems every day requiring thorough research and carefully planned tests. What if there was a magic formula or a one-size-fits-all approach to interface design that automatically solves all our problems? We sometimes take shortcuts, even if we don't have a solution to that problem yet
So to help you out I've outlined five best practices for UI design in this article for your benefit. If you follow these guidelines, you can design an extremely intuitive and visually appealing platform
1. Maintain simplicity and consistency
Great user interfaces are simple and consistent. Simplicity in the context of digital products means that the product is easy to use and understand. A user shouldn't need to read instructions to use your app, nor should they need a map to navigate through it. You are responsible for making things clear and gently guiding people from where they are to where they need to go as an interface designer.
An interface that is consistent throughout the design is also essential. Inconsistencies in style are intentionally included in designs in order for them to appear more creative. Websites can have different color schemes on different pages, for example. Users can get confused and frustrated by this. Throughout the design process, it is important to reinforce the most important design elements.
2. Provide feedback
Users don't want to feel confused about what is happening. In case the user presses a button, indicate that the button was pressed. This can be done in several ways. One way is to try out animation of the button which creates the illusion of it sinking into the page loading icon so you can hear a whisper, "We're working on it."
Uploading files (such as with Dropbox or Google Drive) should include a time remaining indication. You can reduce frustration and confusion by showing the successful result of their action in a pop-up or modal. Any time the user takes an action in your interface, a simple acknowledgement can make all the difference in whether the experience is good or bad.
3. Recognizing over remembering
In view of the limitations of human memory, designer ought to ensure that certain features of a product are automatically recognized by users rather than forcing them to recall them. Make information and interface functions as visible and easily accessible as possible to minimize cognitive load.
4. Provide simple error handling
When designing an interface, errors should be minimized as much as possible. However, when errors do happen, you need a system that makes it straightforward for users to resolve them. Displaying clear error messages and providing hints to solve errors are simple ways to handle errors.
5. Make actions easily reversible
Finding the "undo" option is a great relief after making a mistake. When your users know there is an easy way to reverse any errors, they will feel less anxious and are more likely to explore their options.
Whether performing any action, a grouping of actions, or completing some data entry, this rule applies. An action can be as simple as a button or as extensive as a whole history of actions
Do let your favourite UI Best practices in the comments below
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