Mobile device impact on User Experience and Product Development

Mobile devices offer unique user experiences that computers and laptops cannot duplicate. Because a mobile device is lighter and more portable, users often insert its use into their everyday routine. The use of touchscreens and functionality while on the go makes users feel an emotional attachment to the device. As a result, users tend to…

Graphical minimalism in User Interface Design

One of the trends in UI Design is the minimalistic approach towards graphics and icons. The positives of this approach is the icons are still easily understandable and do not distract from the content. The negatives, though, may be that the UI features are not as emphasized, and that the graphical minimalism doesn’t invite consumers…

Research and intuition in successful User Interface design

“It is important not to confuse a desire to give the [user] a satisfying experience that feels intuitive because it is so well thought out, with a magical faith in the designer’s creative intuitions. While it is essential to encourage creativity and exploration in the design process, intuitive design is rarely the result of lucky…

Use cases and User Interface Design

Use cases depict a scenario in which a user interacts with a system to achieve a specific objective or perform a specific task. They can be powerful tools to assist UI designers and their clients in achieving a more complete design before beginning the prototyping and development phases. By merging task analysis and actual end…

User Interface trends for mobile device apps

One of the more successful trends within UI design for mobile device apps is having the navigation menu along the bottom of the screen instead of the top. One result of this type of layout is that it causes the user to take notice of all the content before being asked what it is they…

Usability Testing and remote labs

What are some of the benefits of utilizing remote testing when conducting usability tests? The most obvious benefits are of course saving both time and cost since travel and lab rentals are not an issue. But other possible advantages include having a larger group of testing participants to choose from, as well as allowing usability…

Skeuomorphic design in user interface

Skeuomorphic UI design replicates the look and feel of tangible objects and tools to make a user interface more intuitive for end users. The issues of utilizing this method in a UI system tend to center around whether or not a Skeuomorphic design limits functionality. The pros, however, are hard to overlook in that they…

Relaying errors in UI Design and its effect on User Experience

Successful UI Design will feel intuitive and natural to the user. When errors occur, however, it becomes important to make sure the user does not feel at fault or blamed. Error messages, when used, should be instructive and not just informative. Easy and obvious ways to return to a base screen when users feel lost…

Good UI Design is humble

“When software is hard to use, don’t make excuses for it. Improve it. When a user makes a mistake, don’t blame the user. Ask how the software misled them. Then fix it. The user’s time is more valuable than ours. Respect it. Good UI design is humble.” – Jono DiCarlo

Icons vs text for senior users in User Interface design

For users who are more advanced in age, which conveys the features and functions of a user interface better: an icon or text? Ideally a product’s UI will be able to contain both icons and text, but there are instances in which the scarcity of available real estate on any given screen makes choosing one…

Confusing design with style in User Interface Design

The best UI design will solve problems and help users resolve issues. Style in and of itself is used a bit too often to simply mask problems and avoid user issues. Relying too heavily on graphical aesthetics can be like applying a fresh coat of paint to a car that needs a new transmission. It…

The importance of groundwork in User Interface Design

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” -Steve Jobs As difficult as it may seem at times, UI and UX designers as well as the client’s product design team members need to remember that individual tastes and viewpoints among the design participants tends to take a…