3 Design Phases for an efficient User Interface
The User Interface design has become a focal part of any page on several platforms and in the production of applications. For many platforms, users can predict what might happen if they tap on a button or swipe through a platform. It is key to use interface elements that users are familiar with. Using elements familiar with users helps in the completion of the task, efficiency in using the platform, and user satisfaction while using the platform.
User interface design (UI) concentrates on the expectation of what users might need. It plays a bigger role in ensuring that the elements in the interface are easier to access, use and understand. Therefore, concepts in interaction design, visual design, and information architecture are brought together.
While designing interfaces, it is vital to know the intended user, their preferences and tendencies, and their skills and goals while using the interface. This is because the User Interface makes up the voice and character of the product. The tone of the design tells a lot about the brand. For a good Interface design that talks much about a product, the design process is divided into three phases;
1. Source of Inspiration/Mood board
A source of inspiration is simply in-depth research about the product and what design techniques have been used while designing Interfaces where similar products have been advertised. It is from the research that the designer supplements the knowledge previously acquired.
Here, it is easier for the stakeholders to visualize the creative direction likely to be adopted by the User Interface designer. Reduction in the turnaround time and the ability to find and fill gaps in the design are the most advantageous realities about the mood board.
2. Actual Design
This design process involves the designing of all the interface elements that will communicate about the product. The design may incorporate aesthetic pointers from the mood board. It is in this phase that there is so much back and forth communication between the designer and stakeholders involved. Constant revision from the stakeholders translates to an efficient and understandable human-centered Interface that meets user expectations. All visual aspects; animation, illustration, interaction, typography photography, and color palette are all finalized in this stage.
3. Usability Testing
This process essentially involves the creation of a prototype. A prototype is responsible for illustrating all the steps to be involved when an application launches to the end. For business applications, it displays the launch of an application or website, the login or sign-up interface, and the order interface. This varies on what the interface aims to achieve. In the early stage of this phase, stakeholders gather responses and understanding of the user about the product. In certain cases, features and elements used in the design of the interface may be tested separately based on what they lead to once a user clicks or taps on the feature to gauge usability and the users’ point of view.
For good Interface design, the Ui/Ux designer has to note that User Interface and User experience are interdependent. The misconception about User Interface and User experience being separate entities is false. Elements in User Interface and User Experience go hand in hand. Everything stems from knowing the intended user. Good design speaks volumes and delivers the tone of the brand. Using the three design phases is a sure way to make a good design that still stands in the future
This article was written by Samir Samuel Mwangi, a Communication & UI/UX Designer and a contributor of #shikothetechgirl blog. Follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter for more insights.
