This article talks about using UX patterns to ease the functionality of an interface.
What are UX Patterns?
UX Patterns are tried and tested solutions for common usability patterns found in interfaces. It creates a memorable experience for the users. UX patterns help to structure content efficiently and keep the navigation easy for the user. It creates the easiest way user can interact with the site by diminishing the pain points for them. This helps in reducing time and conserve energy. Patterns are used for not repeating the same effort again and again.
“People ignore design that ignores people.”
— Frank Chimero, Designer
2. How to use UX patterns?
A product is only ever as good as its UX. You can have the most innovative technology, but it will struggle to retain users if it isn’t user-friendly. The main process of using UX Patterns consists of 3 steps.
- Finding websites/apps with a solution to the same problem.
- Selecting the pattern closest to the solution.
- Analyze the ways to find the optimum solution to implement.
Elements of UX Patterns:
Navigation: People rely on navigation first because it is fast and safe. People will click on links more frequently than use the search button. Prioritizing consistency is an important part of creating a good UX. There are certain rules while using this element.
- Prioritize consistency
- Design clear interactions
- Avoid complicated navigation
- Design for compatibility
Hierarchy: Placing each element in the rightful place for maximum visibility is called Hierarchy. Contrast, balance, scale, alignment are all used to help the placing and give it the right direction. Visual Hierarchy is the principle of arranging elements to show their order of importance. Designers structure visual characteristics — e.g., menu icons — so users can understand the information easily. By laying out elements logically and strategically, designers influence user’s perceptions and guide them to desired actions.
“Rule of thumb for UX: More options, more problems.”
— Scott Belsky, Chief Product Officer
3. What are some common problems, and how do we solve them?
- Having competing content: Competing content will only serve to confuse the user. Making your UX simple and sleek is the key. Presenting too many competing choices to users can feel overwhelming, and studies have shown when given too many options, users typically choose none.
- Mystery Meat of Mobile Navigation: Overly complex navigation is a problem applications face when trying to put the desktop navigation experience into a simple mobile application. The user is left with no idea what to expect from either of them. This sort of ambiguity hurts discoverability and forces your users to hunt around for the option.
- Putting Mobile Last: Most web professionals have been building desktops and laptops for longer than mobile devices. So it’s easy to target larger screen sizes first. But it’s a big mistake to focus on the desktop experience at the mobile experience’s expense.
- Complex Registration: This is the reason so many sites use social media for sign-in purposes, as they are pretty simple. Online forms come in all shapes and sizes, but the worst ones have one thing in common: they’re too long and confusing.
- Findability or usability: One of the most common impediments to discoverability and understanding are poorly labeled menus, buttons, or other interactive elements. Always steer toward an already-established paradigm instead of creating something new, unless it’s for a good design reason. User testing is crucial to find these sorts of problems. Preparing a simple script and having a walk-through will immediately highlight issues.
“Design isn’t finished until somebody is using it.”
— Brenda Laurel, PhD, Independent Scholar
In conclusion, UX is the tool to create a more effective and clearer application and providing a memorable and good experience. Stay tuned for more articles related to UI/UX and the design world.
