I am adding this blog as a sweet SLAP on the face of all the people who think that UI is merely a superficial layer of software development, overshadowed by the grandeur of backend coding. For too long, the misconception has persisted that user interface (UI) is secondary to backend development. But let's set the record straight.
UI is not just about making things look pretty; it's about creating an intuitive experience for users. And contrary to popular belief, it can make or break the success of a product. It is like ignoring the effects of first impression with firm handshake and warm smile which can lead to a fruitful conversation. Let us walk through a few illustrations.
Slack initially struggled with user adoption due to its cluttered and complex interface. While the functionality was robust, navigating the platform and managing conversations proved challenging for users. Users reported difficulty in finding and organizing conversations, leading to frustration and low engagement. Slack started with a comprehensive redesign effort in 2015. The primary goals were to simplify navigation, streamline communication, and enhance overall usability. The UI/UX improvements had a profound impact on Slack's user engagement and retention. Within weeks of the redesign, Slack experienced a significant increase in daily active users almost by 10% and user satisfaction metrics.
Another great example, Amazon faced a significant challenge when many users abandoned their shopping carts at the checkout stage due to form prompting users to either log in or register. This step led to frustration and cart abandonment, costing Amazon millions in potential revenue. To tackle this problem, Amazon made a simple yet impactful change. They replaced the "Register" button with "Continue" and a message reassuring users that they didn't need to create an account to make purchases. Instead, they could proceed directly to checkout. This small adjustment resulted in a remarkable 45% increase in completed purchases and generated an additional $300 million in revenue within the first year alone.
Some might think that while a good UI can boost sales, there aren't any real downsides to a mediocre one. But here's another sweet slap in their faces to set things straight.
Taking the most well-known example of Windows 8 failure, Despite its innovative features, Windows 8 faced backlash primarily due to its radical departure well-designed UI. When you introduce an entire UI overhaul and force it on people, then you get a lot of negative pushback. Windows 8 did just that and got hate overall.
With these examples in mind, let's not just slap UI on as an afterthought but give it the high-five it deserves. Cheers to better interfaces and brighter futures!
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