Introduction to User Interface Design
Posted on: February 11, 2022 3:41 PM
Abdullah Zafar
What is User Interface Design?
User Interface (UI) design is a process in which designers build interfaces for a software or a computerized device that is totally fixated on the appearance or style. The approach of a designer is to create a user interface which is easy to use and understand by the user.
UI interface is key to understand softwares pertaining to appearance/style and as such introduction to the UI design is imperative.
Designing User Interfaces for a User
User Interfaces are the doorways by which users interact with designs. They come in three types:
1. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
It is a program that allows a person or a user to interact with the device or any computerized panel using graphics, symbols or visual metaphors. Our computer desktop is a GUI.
A Graphic Designer working on a Mobile Application UI.
2. Voice Controlled Interfaces (VUIs)
A Voice user Interface allows the person or a user to interact with the computer device or any application using voice commands or speech. World recognized VUIs are Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Samsung’s Bixby and the infamous Amazon Alexa.
A white Amazon Echo, one of the most popular smart speakers in the US.
3. Gesture Based Interfaces
It points to the interface in which the human body or the user interact with digital machines or apps through bodily motion. The main agenda is that the user engages in a 3D design space. The same is with the Virtual Reality (VR) games.
A man interacting with a gesture based game interface through an Oculus Rift, a popular VR headset.
One should consider the following when designing a UI
Users examine designs quickly and care whether the design is useful or not
The users only care about getting the task done; they don’t see your design so the only thing the designer should be focusing on is getting their task done easily with minimum effort.
A good UI is such that it goes unnoticed by the user, in a way that it does not complicate the user’s task. It means that when a user is “in the process” the design shouldn’t confuse them e.g. ordering a pizza on Domino’s Zero click app.
A UI designer has to understand the user’s contexts and task flows to shape the most intuitive UIs that deliver seamless and pleasurable experiences.
Domino’s Zero Click Ordering feature on their mobile app.
UIs should also be satisfying and frustration free
When a user’s needs are fulfilled, they become satisfied with the UI, having received an exciting experience. Make them enjoy themselves and they will keep coming back to the same brand or product.
A UI Designer can make the UIs more fluid and responsive by adding motion graphics. Some elements of gamification can affect the design.
Byte’s app showcasing a fluid responsive design.
UIs should reflect brand values and strengthen users’ trust
A good design connects with the user emotionally. Users develop a sense of attachment with the brand that communicates with them at all levels, while keeping the gratification of a seamless experience alive.
TurboAnchor’s website UI for easy navigation.
WEB DEVELOPMENT > UI DESIGN
Introduction to User Interface Design
Abdullah Zafar
What is User Interface Design?
User Interface (UI) design is a process in which designers build interfaces for a software or a computerized device that is totally fixated on the appearance or style. The approach of a designer is to create a user interface which is easy to use and understand by the user.
UI interface is key to understand softwares pertaining to appearance/style and as such introduction to the UI design is imperative.
Designing User Interfaces for a User
User Interfaces are the doorways by which users interact with designs. They come in three types:
1. Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs)
It is a program that allows a person or a user to interact with the device or any computerized panel using graphics, symbols or visual metaphors. Our computer desktop is a GUI.
A Graphic Designer working on a Mobile Application UI.
2. Voice Controlled Interfaces (VUIs)
A Voice user Interface allows the person or a user to interact with the computer device or any application using voice commands or speech. World recognized VUIs are Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Samsung’s Bixby and the infamous Amazon Alexa.
A white Amazon Echo, one of the most popular smart speakers in the US.
3. Gesture Based Interfaces
It points to the interface in which the human body or the user interact with digital machines or apps through bodily motion. The main agenda is that the user engages in a 3D design space. The same is with the Virtual Reality (VR) games.
A man interacting with a gesture based game interface through an Oculus Rift, a popular VR headset.
One should consider the following when designing a UI
Users examine designs quickly and care whether the design is useful or not
The users only care about getting the task done; they don’t see your design so the only thing the designer should be focusing on is getting their task done easily with minimum effort.
A good UI is such that it goes unnoticed by the user, in a way that it does not complicate the user’s task. It means that when a user is “in the process” the design shouldn’t confuse them e.g. ordering a pizza on Domino’s Zero click app.
A UI designer has to understand the user’s contexts and task flows to shape the most intuitive UIs that deliver seamless and pleasurable experiences.
Domino’s Zero Click Ordering feature on their mobile app.
UIs should also be satisfying and frustration free
When a user’s needs are fulfilled, they become satisfied with the UI, having received an exciting experience. Make them enjoy themselves and they will keep coming back to the same brand or product.
A UI Designer can make the UIs more fluid and responsive by adding motion graphics. Some elements of gamification can affect the design.
Byte’s app showcasing a fluid responsive design.
UIs should reflect brand values and strengthen users’ trust
A good design connects with the user emotionally. Users develop a sense of attachment with the brand that communicates with them at all levels, while keeping the gratification of a seamless experience alive.
TurboAnchor’s website UI for easy navigation.
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