What is UI Design?
Focuses on interaction design, the visual elements of a website or application, and ensuring a navigation path is visually attractive and effortless to use.
| 3 Main types of UI design | Definition |
| Graphical user interface (GUI) | A graphical user interface allows users to interact with a device through graphical icons. Typically, interactions are facilitated through a mouse, trackpad, or some other point-and-click tool. Your laptop’s desktop or home screen is an example of a GUI. |
| Voice user interface (VUI) | Words and syntax play the most crucial role in voice user interfaces. VUI uses speech recognition to understand voice commands. Notable examples of VUI include iPhone’s Siri, Google Home’s “hey google” feature, and Amazon’s Alexa. |
| Menu-driven interface | Menu-driven interfaces provide users with command options via a list or a menu. These commands can present themselves in full-screen or as a pop-up or drop-down. Common examples of menu-driven interfaces include ATMs and digital parking meters. |
Structure, Computer Science
Key principles of UI design
An easy way to recall the fundamental principles of UI design is to learn the four c’s:
- Control. The users should be in control of the interface.
- Consistency. Use common elements to make your UI predictable and easy to navigate, even for novice users.
- Comfortability. Interacting with a product should be an effortless, comfortable experience.
- Cognitive load. It’s critical to be mindful of bombarding users with content. Be as clear and concise as possible.
UI accessibility
Accessibility is another crucial aspect of UI design. To accomplish the four c’s, each must be true for every user. Those with low vision or other disabilities should be able to navigate a UI without difficulty. For example, many people use screen readers and other accessibility tools to browse the web or use applications. Make sure adaptability features are presented to the user right away. Settings corresponding to these features should also be easy to find. For a comprehensive approach, consider collecting feedback from a wide range of users regarding your UI. This practice can help you examine a UI’s accessibility from several perspectives.
What is UX Design?
UX refers to the entire interaction you have with a product, including how you feel about the interaction.
The Three Types of UX Design
There are three main specialties in UX design: interaction design, visual design, and information architecture.
- Interaction design focuses on how users interact with a product or service. This includes the design of user interfaces, such as menus and buttons. It also includes the design of physical products, such as phones and tablets.
- Visual design focuses on the look and feel of a product or service. This includes the use of color, typography, and imagery. Visual designers also create user interfaces and physical products.
- Information architecture focuses on how information is organized and presented to users. This includes the organization of content on websites and apps. Information architects also create user flows and navigation systems
What are the prerequisites for UI UX design?
To become a UI UX designer, you need to have a knack for visual design, an understanding of the psychology of human-computer interaction, and knowledge of web design combined with strong creative and technical skills.
