Negosentro | Design Details: The 5 Principles of User Experience (UX) Design | Anyone can create a website or app if they put in the effort, but that doesn’t mean it will be one that people want to use. That’s where user experience (UX) design comes in. UX design is a design team’s process for creating meaningful, functional, and relevant products that people will find efficient, practical, and easy to use.
Whether you’re currently developing a website or simply curious about what’s involved, it’s worth knowing that the following five principles are at the heart of UX design:
UX Design Principle 1: System vs. Real World
One of the many things a UX design agency can help you with is ensuring your website or app speaks a consumer’s language rather than your own. Jargon and technical terms may make sense to you, but they may be unfamiliar to consumers, who will be left feeling lost and unsure of whether your offerings are right for them.
UX design agencies cut through that jargon and help you use language and design components that reflect the people who will be using them. Examples of this would be the shield icon for a virus detection program or the trash can for disposing of unwanted files on your computer.
UX Design Principle 2: Hierarchy
Hierarchy has formed the foundation of humanity for centuries. However, hierarchy is also important in website development and is one of the core principles of UX design.
Essentially, it’s a form of information architecture relating to how you organize content on your website or app. The most critical information takes pride of place in your primary navigation menu, and less important information follows in secondary menus and on the site pages themselves.
For example, you might have a homewares website with a ‘kitchenware’ primary menu, a “cookware” secondary menu, and then further categories for stainless steel, cast iron, and ceramic non-stick pans.
UX Design Principle 3: Minimalist Design
Creating a new website or app can be exciting, especially when you have so much to offer and share with prospective customers. However, minimalist design is a crucial UX design principle because, as we all know, less is more.
Just as in-store shoppers don’t want to be overloaded with products as soon as they walk into a store, online shoppers don’t want to be bombarded with information when they visit a website. Use a few elements that work in harmony, and ensure each page is clean, streamlined, and balanced for customer enjoyment.
UX Design Principle 4: Accessibility
It’s easy to assume that everyone accessing your website or app can see, hear, and touch. However, some people rely on technology to assist with their senses, making site accessibility a crucial component of UX design.
Your site or app should be accessible to people with visual impairments, regardless of your branding or design goals. You can achieve this in many ways, such as by using accessibility-supporting content management systems, alt text for images, taking care with colors, and giving links descriptive names.
UX Design Principle 5: Consistency
Have you noticed how most pop-up advertisements have an ‘x’ in the top right-hand corner rather than the bottom or elsewhere? Every new app and website developer wants to buck the trend and create something incredible. However, there can be truth in the adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ If something is consistent across most apps and websites, don’t attempt to reinvent the wheel and confuse consumers.
The UX principles mentioned above are central to the foundation of any successful app or website.
Photo by Alvaro Reyes on Unsplash
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