Websites and apps are more than just pretty interfaces; they’re meant to solve specific problems for users and offer them a valuable experience. This principle is at the core of UX (User Experience), a fundamental aspect of web design for many years.
Over the years, designers and developers have created different definitions of UX, all highlighting user convenience and emotions. Simply put, UX involves designing interfaces that enable users to easily achieve their goals while also helping businesses generate revenue. A successful UX design is essentially unnoticed by users, intuitive, and subtle, enriching the user’s experience and prompting return visits.
Distinguishing UX from UI
Developing a great user experience (UX) involves drawing from various fields like design, web development, sociology, and psychology. It requires a deep understanding of the users’ needs, motivations, and emotions to create a clear and user-friendly structure. Some believe that UX goes beyond web design and covers all interactions between a company and its clients, including service quality, communication, content, and advertising.
There is often confusion between UX and UI design, partly because the same individuals often handle both. UI (User Interface) design focuses on the graphical elements of an interface, such as buttons, blocks, and icons. In contrast, UX is about the overall experience and usability.
Principles of UX
When embarking on web development, designers often start by crafting visually appealing pages in graphic software without prioritizing the usability of the elements.
This tendency is understandable as they are initially designing for themselves rather than for others. However, in professional development, the primary focus should center on the user.
Simplicity
One of the main principles of design is to simplify complex things, known in English as KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid). Simplifying complex tasks is always appreciated by users, as it saves them time and provides a sense of control and order. For example, having the option to purchase items on a website with a simple two-click process is highly regarded.
Minimalistic design can be developed and implemented more quickly, but simplicity should not be confused with primitiveness. Creating a simple yet highly functional and aesthetically pleasing design is a primary goal of UX.
The Pareto Principle
This principle, named after Italian sociologist Vilfredo Pareto, states that 20% of efforts yield 80% of results. In web development, this means that 20% of a site’s functionality provides 80% of its value to users. The aim of UX design is to pinpoint these critical 20% and direct users’ focus to them.
User attention is a precious commodity for web designers. On average, a user spends only about 10 seconds on a single item on a screen, and if a site fails to load within 3 seconds, they are likely to move on to another one. From a UX standpoint, a resource should load instantly, exhibit a clear hierarchy, and prominently showcase its key features. First, prioritize showing users the most vital aspects, then address everything else.
Consistency
When designing your website, it’s important to keep in mind that most internet users have visited numerous sites. As a result, your site is unlikely to be a completely new experience for them. Users come with their own set of experiences and expectations, so it’s best to avoid confusing them with overly bold design experiments. It’s important that elements such as buttons have a familiar look and function similar to those found on other websites.
Good user experience (UX) relies on using familiar and recognizable elements that match the users’ expectations.
Confusion can hinder users from accomplishing their goals. This doesn’t mean there’s no place for creativity and experimentation in interface development. However, innovative solutions should be a natural progression from familiar practices; otherwise, they will only confuse and disappoint the users.
Context
Every website or application is designed to solve a specific user problem, which always carries some context. It’s important to understand the specifics of the resource: when, where, and on what device it will be used.
Paying attention to subtle details is crucial for good UX. For instance, you might design an app that’s enjoyable to use in a well-lit office, but users might face difficulties if they use it in bright sunlight or in a dimly lit room. Considering context requires audience research and constant feedback collection. IT giants go even further, gathering as much user data as possible.
Select web design services that prioritize user experience and business success to ensure your site meets these high standards.
Final Thoughts
Creating designs with users in mind, rather than solely for designers, requires empathy and a deep understanding of the user’s journey. By following principles of simplicity, focusing on essential functions, maintaining consistency, and considering context, we can develop interfaces that are not only easy and efficient to use but also enjoyable. Effective UX design might not always stand out because it seamlessly integrates into the user’s experience, but its impact on user satisfaction and business success is significant.