2. DESIGN
Design is the phase in the software development lifecycle where the blueprint of the software is laid out. It involves making key decisions about the software's structure, user interface, data management, technology stack, and security considerations. Let’s explore the essential components.
Note: The following sections are interchangeable and can be approached either bottom-up or top-down based on your preferences.
"People ignore DESIGN that ignores people."
- Frank Chimero
what is ui/ux?
UI (User Interface) refers to the visual design and layout of a product, including buttons, menus, and other elements users interact with.
UX (User Experience) focuses on the overall feel and usability of the product, ensuring it is intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable for users.
steps to creatiNG your ui
UI design involves creating wireframes (basic sketches of the interface) and prototypes (interactive models to simulate user experience) to show how users will interact with the software. Adherence to brand guidelines is important to maintain consistency across the product.
For your MVP (Minimum Viable Product), your design doesn't need to be perfect—focus on getting your product out there.
1) WIREFRAMES
Wireframes are simple, low-fidelity visual representations of a user interface. They outline the basic structure and layout of a web page or application, focusing on the placement of elements like buttons, text, and images without detailed design elements.
- Keep It Simple. Focus on layout and functionality rather than design details.
- Use Consistent Elements. Maintain consistency in elements like buttons and navigation throughout wireframes.
- Prioritize User Needs. Ensure wireframes reflect the core functionality and user flow.
- Iterate Quickly. Use wireframes to explore different layouts and interactions before investing in high-fidelity designs.
- Collaborate. Share wireframes with stakeholders and users for early feedback.
TOOLS: BALSAMIQ, EXCALIDRAW OR ANY OTHER FREE TOOL
Source: Inktank
2) prototypes
Prototypes are interactive models of a product that simulate its functionality. They can range from low-fidelity (e.g., clickable wireframes) to high-fidelity (e.g., fully functional mockups) and are used to test and validate design concepts.
- Define Goals. Clearly define what you want to test with your prototype, such as usability or functionality.
- Iterate Based on Feedback. Use feedback from testing to make iterative improvements.
- Include Key Interactions. Ensure the prototype includes the most important user interactions and flows.
- Test with Real Users. Conduct user testing to gather feedback on the prototype’s usability and functionality.
- Keep It Realistic. Make the prototype as realistic as possible to accurately test user reactions and interactions.
Source: Sitepoint
BEST PRACTICES:
- Understand User Needs. Conduct user research to understand the needs, preferences, and behaviors of your target audience.
- Ensure Consistency. Maintain consistency in visual elements and interactions across the interface to create a cohesive experience.
- Prioritize Usability. Design with usability in mind, ensuring that interfaces are easy to navigate and understand.
- Optimize for Accessibility. Make sure your design is accessible to users with various disabilities, including those who use screen readers or keyboard navigation.
- Gather Feedback. Regularly collect and incorporate feedback from users to refine and improve the design.
- Responsive Design. Ensure the design works well on various devices and screen sizes.
tips & tricks
Using pre-made templates and libraries boosts development efficiency by providing ready-made UI structures and design elements, saving time. Ensure compatibility with your tools, customize them for your brand, and keep them updated for performance and security improvements.
In Summary:
- Gather user interface requirements and document decisions along the way. Ensure all design choices are clearly recorded for future reference and alignment with project goals.
- Create initial wireframes for key screens (desktop, tablet, mobile). Design simple layouts for each screen size to establish the structure and flow of your application.
- Develop interactive prototypes. Build clickable prototypes to simulate user interactions and gather feedback early.
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Conduct usability testing with prototypes. Test prototypes with real users to identify pain points and improve user experience.
- Review UI design against brand guidelines. Verify that all visual elements align with your brand’s style and consistency.
- Finalize the UI design and obtain stakeholder approval. Present the completed design for final review and get approval from key stakeholders before moving forward.