Introduction
On a website, beautiful design matters. But the main goal of user interface design is to leave visitors with a good user experience. Your choices must therefore be both strategic and aesthetic.
UX and UI, what are they?
Let's start by defining these 2 terms:
- UX stands for "user experience". It describes how users interact with your site and how they feel when using it.
- UI stands for "user interface". It covers all the visual elements, such as colors, typography or images.
Take both dimensions into account to create a project that looks good and is easy to use. Users will keep a strong impression of your site and will want to come back.
Effective user interface design
1. Clarity
Clarity covers all the interactive elements users need to recognize. Buttons, the menu, links and other clickable elements must be identifiable and stand out.
The menu, for example, is usually placed at the top of the page to make reading easier. Web users have their habits. Avoid losing them with choices that are too original for them to understand. Also keep the site's goal in mind. If your site needs to convert, design the user journey carefully to make navigation easier.
2. Consistency
Repeated elements in your project need the same look and the same function. Also use the same colors, typography and positioning.
This consistency gives the image of a professional site. Users trust you, feel comfortable and take action more easily.
3. Control
Interfaces must stay intuitive and simple to use. Nobody should need a tutorial or training to use an app or a website.
The goal is to leave users in control of their actions. To do this, you can for example:
- design recognizable interactive elements
- write custom error messages
- show feedback when an action has been completed
- design a simple navigation bar
4. Comfort
Comfort is linked to clarity and consistency. It is how users feel when they arrive on your site or app.
To provide it, use simple language, write inclusively and make sure your project adapts to different screen formats.
5. Ease of use
Design is there to convey a message quickly, effectively and attractively.
The interface must be simple to use and help users find the information they are looking for as fast as possible. This requires clear navigation and a good structure, with a logical hierarchy.
6. Accessibility
Accessibility lets every user feel comfortable. Your project must be accessible to everyone, including people with motor, cognitive or visual impairments.
Here are a few ideas to design a project that is accessible to everyone:
- choose colors with good contrast
- add descriptive text to every image
- add visual cues for interactive elements
Conclusion
These 6 points show the importance of user interface design. By applying them together, you will be able to create a good user experience.