In this article we outline the principles we follow to create intuitive, user-friendly, and effective interface designs.
An interface is a medium of interaction.
By setting different conditions within this environment, we define the rules for how users exist within it. Some areas might be comfortable, others not. Some may be accessible to all users, while others might cater to select groups.
There are principles that can help create a more comfortable environment.
Care
A comfortable interface takes care of the user: it reminds, suggests, hints, warns, simplifies, draws conclusions, and communicates ideas clearly — everything to ensure the user can comfortably accomplish their tasks. While working. Think about how you can care for the user.
Examples:
- Remind the user about subscription payments.
- Highlight which interface elements need attention first and which later.
- Suggest the most beneficial course of action.
- Warn about important events.
- Simplify data input: merge form fields, remove unnecessary ones.
- Draw conclusions from data to provide useful insights to the user.
- Provide the right information at the right time.
- Communicate clearly: use simple and unambiguous text, avoid visual and semantic clutter.
Every principle that follows incorporates the concept of care to some extent.
Information presentation: Layout, Structure, Hierarchy, Contrast, Consistency, Informativeness, Clarity
- To make the interface intuitive, information and controls must be effectively displayed.
- Consider how to present information to make it easily (or intentionally difficult) to comprehend.
- Highlight the most important elements and information.
- Be consistent and uniform in the design of interactions and information presentation to foster user habits.
- Since an interface conveys information, ensure that the displayed information is useful within the context of user scenarios.
Example:
- Instead of a table listing apartment prices, display a map with color-coded pricing per neighborhood: a visually pleasing map replaces a lengthy table and fits comfortably on the screen.
Occam's razor
Avoid creating new entities or duplicating existing ones without necessity. Start with a blank slate and add elements only when their purpose is clear.
Examples:
- Don’t place elements in locations where they are unnecessary.
- Avoid adding elements that are irrelevant to user scenarios.
- Don’t include two elements performing essentially the same function or conveying identical information.
- Eliminate redundant words in textual elements of the interface.
Intuitiveness, Culture, Habits, and Patterns
Design intuitive interfaces and interactions that require no instructions.
Consider the cultural context of the interface/product.
Account for user behavioral habits and patterns. Use unconventional interactions intentionally and thoughtfully.
Aesthetics
Sometimes, the aesthetics of an interface are dictated by the brand identity of the product or company. Other times, they stem from the functionality of the interface itself.
Example:
- An interface for young children would differ significantly from that of an accounting software for adults. The former should be colorful, while the latter might favor a more serious and clean design.
Immersion in the domain
It's crucial to immerse yourself in the subject area of the interface. Understand what, why, how, and for whom you are designing, and consider specialized terminology.
Overcoming and considering constraints
When creating a product, various constraints might arise:
- Business requirements. Sometimes, it’s better to use pre-existing components rather than designing an interface from scratch. While the interaction may not be ideal, it could suffice for the current task.
- Prioritization. Not all ideas can be implemented or fully developed at once. Focus on the essentials, leaving secondary features for later.
- Technical limitations. Some user-friendly elements may be technically challenging to implement. In such cases, aim for the best possible solution within the constraints.
- Cultural limitations.
- Usage context. Consider whether the product will be comfortable to use in the presence of others, or if it allows for quick actions in time-critical scenarios.
These constraints need to be addressed or taken into account if they can’t be overcome.
Don’t adapt to a specific limitation; instead, seek the most user-friendly interaction. First, determine what the user should ideally do in a scenario without constraints. Then introduce the limitation, striving to preserve the essence and comfort of the interaction.
Feedback
Interactive elements in the interface must provide feedback. This helps the user understand that the interface is functioning as expected.