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ITUX5.210 Topic 3_UI Design Principles

This document outlines the six essential principles of UI design: Clarity, Consistency, User Control, Comfort, Ease of Use, and Accessibility, emphasizing their importance in creating user-friendly interfaces. It also discusses layout principles, colour theory, typography, iconography, and imagery as key components of effective UI design. The document concludes with a summary of key takeaways and a preview of the next topic on Interaction and Responsive Design.

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2 views

ITUX5.210 Topic 3_UI Design Principles

This document outlines the six essential principles of UI design: Clarity, Consistency, User Control, Comfort, Ease of Use, and Accessibility, emphasizing their importance in creating user-friendly interfaces. It also discusses layout principles, colour theory, typography, iconography, and imagery as key components of effective UI design. The document concludes with a summary of key takeaways and a preview of the next topic on Interaction and Responsive Design.

Uploaded by

jl273899295
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as KEY, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Topic 3: UI Design

Principles
Objectives

In this topic we will cover:


Six essential principles of UI design
Layout principles
Colour theory and colour palettes
Typography and font choices
Iconography and imagery
Principles of UI design

UI design is the process of


creating the visual layout and
appearance of the software,
apps, websites, or any digital
interface with which the user
interacts.
Principles of UI design, continued

The overarching goal of


every UI design project is to
create a product that
is both aesthetically
appealing and easy
to interact with.
Principles of UI design, continued

There are three main types of UI


design:
Graphical user interfaces (GUI),
Voice-controlled interfaces, and
Gesture-based interfaces.
Principles of UI design, continued

There are six essential principles


of UI design:
Clarity Consistenc User Comfort
y control

Ease of use Accessibilit


y
Clarity
Definition:
The use of recognisable and intuitive elements that
facilitate interaction.
It involves placing essential elements like navigation menus
in predictable locations to guide users effectively.
Importance:
Clear design enhances user experience by minimising
confusion and making navigation effortless.

Examples:
Main navigation at the top, logo in the top left; distinctive
buttons and underlined text for clickable links.
Clarity, continued
Consistency
Definition:
Using uniform visual elements across a user
interface, including colours, typography, and layout.
It builds user trust and coherence in design.
Importance:
Consistent design fosters a professional and
harmonious user experience, unlike mismatched
elements that can be jarring.
Examples:
Maintaining consistent fonts and colours throughout
the design.
Using grids to ensure layout consistency.
Consistency, continued
User Control
Definition:
Focuses on creating interfaces that are intuitive and
require no special training to use.
It empowers users to take actions confidently and
minimises confusion.
Importance:
Intuitive interfaces improve user satisfaction and
engagement by allowing users to navigate and interact
without difficulty.
Examples:
Simple navigation bars
Feedback for completed actions
Clear labelling for interactive elements
User control, continued
Comfort
Definition:
Encompasses design, messaging, accessibility, and
consistency to create a comfortable and inclusive
user experience.
Importance:
Comfortable design fosters a sense of belonging and
inclusivity, enhancing user engagement and overall
satisfaction.
Examples:
Using simple language
Designing inclusively
Ensuring responsiveness across devices
Comfort, continued
Ease of use
Definition:
Is a fundamental goal of UI design, aiming to make
products or websites user-friendly and straightforward to
navigate.
Importance:
A design that is easy to use reduces frustration, enhances
usability, and allows users to access information efficiently.

Examples:
Recognisable elements, clear navigation, intuitive
hierarchy.
Accessibility
Definition:
Ensures that interfaces are usable by all individuals,
including those with disabilities.
It involves making design elements perceivable, operable,
and understandable.
Importance:
Designing with accessibility in mind promotes inclusivity
and avoids legal issues, ensuring everyone can engage with
your product.
Examples:
Keyboard-friendly design
Descriptive alt text for images
Appropriate colour contrast
Non-colour cues for interactivity
Accessibility, continued
Layout

Given a blank screen, how do I optimally


visualise all the pictures, information, buttons
and other UI elements on the screen?
Layout, continued

Layout principle 1: Logical flow


Organise user interface elements from top to
bottom and from left to right according to task
flow.
Layout, continued

Layout principle 2: Position


UI element placement is very important.
Example: Buttons that are close together have
actions that are more related than buttons that
are further apart
Colour and consistency

Colours should, in general, be used to indicate


similar items or functions.
Meaning of colours should be consistent
When possible, colour choices should
conform to standards.
Colour and consistency, continued

Use 5-7 different thematic colours


maximum, and far fewer if possible
(excluding icons, photos).
Reasons for this relate to short-term
memory limitations
Colour and consistency, continued

So many colours! Which ones should I


choose?
Select colours that are colourblind-safe
(there are tools available to help).
Typography and font choices
Typography and font choices ,
continued

Typography is the layout and arrangement of


content using pre-made letter systems such
as typefaces and fonts.

Typography contains so many elements, many


designers overlook this discipline because
mastering it takes time and practice.
Typography and font choices,
continued

Typeface:
The term “typeface,” also known as a font
family, derives from physical print and
refers to the faces of physical letter blocks.
A typeface has multiple font weights and a
consistent style across all characters,
numbers, and symbols.
Typefaces include Arial, Times New
Roman and Comic Sans.
Typography and font choices,
continued
Iconography

Iconography is a form of visual language


that adds up to product identity.
Icons communicate complex information in
a simple and concise manner.
Example: Use of toggle switches to simplify a
yes/no option to choose from (and very easy to
understand)
Imagery

An image speaks a thousand words, use


them wisely.
Imagery is used in UI design to create a
mood, as content and as part of navigation.

Content Navigatio
n
Summary and next steps

Key takeaways:
There are six essential principles of UI design:
Clarity, Consistency, User Control, Comfort,
Ease of Use and Accessibility
Layout principles - logical flow and positioning
Choose colours that are colour-blind safe
Next week:
Interaction and Responsive Design

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