What is UI/UX?
When the computer was first introduced to the world, people had to know how to write code in order to operate it. It was not made for the average user. What was missing was a more user-friendly way that comprised of graphics and simple layouts.
This thinking led to the creation of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) which comprised of components like windows, buttons, icons, etc, that could be used by the masses. This approach made computers far more accessible and is still used today.
But have you ever given a thought about how the app or software you use has that gorgeous design? To understand that, we must be aware of 4 concepts that all need to come together:
- User Interface (UI) — Includes screens, pages, controls, and plenty of other visual elements that will help a user interact easily with the app/software.
- User Experience (UX) — Includes the overall experience of the user who has interacted with the site, page, or window.
- UI Designers — UI designers are graphical designers and they make sure that the application interface is attractive, and is designed appropriately to match the purpose of the application.
- UX Designers — UX designers are also concerned with an application’s user interface. UX designers oversee and determine how the user interface will operate for users followed by determining the structure of the interface and functionality.
Why is UI/UX is important?
When designing a website or an application, attractive graphics and content are not the only things that matter. One aspect of web and app design that many designers often overlook is the need for good UX design. But what exactly is user experience design (UX Design), and why does it matter so much?
UX design completes the entire process of software design and development which includes Architecture, Interaction/Visual Design, Wireframing, and usability (5 core components of UX design).
Designers must look beyond simply creating usable products. They should also consider the user’s pleasure and enjoyment in acquiring and using the product. In other words, UX design is the process of building applications that are relevant and meaningful and has 3 broad goals when creating apps: Apps that users want to use, apps that users like, and apps that users can understand easily.
How does it all come together?
The UX designer decides how the user interface functions while the UI designer decides how the user interface looks. The UX team works with the flow of the app followed by checking the buttons you use to navigate through your tasks, with the interface serving up the information according to the need of the user. The UI team works on the aesthetics, working on how different interface elements will appear on the screen and how they will look together.
Let’s suppose during the design process, some additional control needs to be added that will change the UI. In this case, the UX team will determine the best way to lay out the controls.
The UI team will then adapt that design before adding it to the existing layout. This requires effective communication and coordination between the UI and UX designers to deliver an interface that looks good and functions well.
The 5 Core components of UX Design
Information Architecture
Information Architecture, also known as the IA, is concerned with creating an application design that complements the business’ objectives, by delivering what the business wants. In other words, it is about connecting people with the application in a manner they can understand easily, making it easy to find content within the application by using indexes, navigation, etc.
Interaction Design
Interaction Design, as the word says, is the interaction between users and the screen. It is more of communicating with the user through the graphics, colors, images, fonts, colors, etc.
Usability
How do you know where to start? What is the criterion driving a certain design choice? Something that is aesthetically pleasing, may not be user-friendly. This is where usability comes in.
Usability, also known as validity, uses data to determine the validity of design decisions. This data is gathered via surveys, interviews, site visits, etc to understand how the application will be used.
Wireframing
This provides you with insight into the functionality of your design and any changes needed. Apart from visualizing the UI, wireframing allows you to set design priorities and help you identify logistical constraints and conflicts regarding implementation. This is important because it brings you closer to the final functionality of the product before investing time and resources into application development.
Visual Design
Visual design deals with the visual aspect of a product to improve the UX and UI design and has an impact on how the final app can look and feel.
But how does UX benefit a business?
Here are 4 ways UX design can benefit a business
It captivates Users
When any user starts using your app, you have very little time, less than a few seconds to leave an impression on them. They will only decide to continue if your app design is strong enough to compel them to use your application, else they are going to leave. Engagement plays a major role too. If users find it interesting and more engaging, only then they will move further onto the app.
Enhanced customers complacency & improved ROI
When your app has an impressive design, it presents your users with good content that is easy to navigate. This results in a high rate of satisfaction when using your application. A good and satisfied customer tends to appreciate and recommend your application to others, in turn leading to an increase in customers, hence increasing the ROI of your business.
Conserves time and cost
No one enjoys an app that is buggy or results in a poor user experience. If you invest in good UI/UX design and QA, it is less likely your customers will discover any issues or difficulties when using your application. A flawless product will not require frequent updates, helping you save time and money, letting you focus on other areas of business.
Get featured in the app store
Your users are your strongest advocates. Supplementing our previous point, whether an application is good to use or not is proportional to the number of users who like it. Positive ratings and reviews of satisfied and happy users will bring your mobile app to the top.
In the case of mobile apps, app stores often recommend apps that are highly regarded and receive positive reviews from users, often featuring them on the app store’s homepage or recommending them to users. This goes a long way in increasing your app’s exposure. This is another reason why good UI and UX matter, and can be a source of motivation for app designers.
Suggestions to Improve UI/UX of your application
Maintain consistency throughout the app
Designers should ensure that the design is consistent throughout the application. Not limited to controls, applications must have the same color and pattern. A consistent application design helps users easily interact with the application.
Reduce loading times
Designers should design in a way that allows lower loading times and consumes fewer resources. Speed and time are important factors of UX design. Users want to save time. The higher the time it takes to load, the more likely they are to have a negative experience.
Make it easy to use
Use familiar and traditional controls on applications that make it easier for a user to use the application. Users should not need to refer to the extra guidelines for application usage.
The app’s design should be such that all services can be accessed with minimum input. An application with complex design and features can make customers unhappy.
Make your app interactive
Interactive apps are more user-friendly. When users interact with the application, it creates a connection between the user and the app. It gives the user freedom to the use app, letting him or her navigate easily from one window to another.
Conclusion
UI/UX is a very important aspect of any application. In order to make an app successful, designers must build a user interface that is pleasing, yet provides a positive user experience.
By understanding the user’s need and their market preference, designers can make apps interactive and more engaging using some of the UI/UX design techniques we have discussed above. Hope this helps you understand how UI/UX is designed properly.
Author — Sunayana Paikaray, DLT Labs™
About the Author: Sunayana focuses on multiple aspects of Business Analysis. She has completed her Masters of Business Administration in Finance & HR.
