The Malta Independent on Sunday
Designing the ideal User Interface
signing the product, research is recommended as is making use of common elements. These help create a sense of familiarity between the user and the product and will produce an easy to navigate interface.
One of the key methods utilised when creating a user interface is visual hierarchy. Visual hierarchy refers to the specific arrangement of elements in a structure that implies importance. When implementing a visual hierarchy, the designer should identify the key aspects of the design and highlight them for the user. This can be done by using methods such as increasing the size of the typography or utilising defined brand colours. You could also break a visual pattern from the norm of the product and create a focal point in the design. If this is done in a dispersed consistent manner it can achieve the desired focalisation intended by the designer.
Typography is another very important factor when creating a user interface and should be explored in depth. The design should take advantage of the different combinations of typography and how they complement each other. Utilising contrast via colour with typography is an effective way to improve focalisation and hierarchy. This will guide the user’s attention to the desired location. Colour can not only be used as a mean of contrast but also as a general emotion which sets the tone that reflects the product. Choosing an ideal colour combination and having a good understanding of basic colour psychology will greatly increase the user’s chances in experiencing the desired feelings when the product is being viewed. It is also good to note that warm colours such as red, orange, yellow and all in between give off different emotions from cool ones which are green, blue and violet. This is why it is crucial for the designer to identify the desired mood and project an ideal impression. A good balance between heavy and light colours can result in an equal sense of depth in the creation of the design.
The designer should continuously look for feedback to progressively evolve the product according to the audience’s desired visualisation. Collaboration with a large group of individuals will always project a finer product. When all is properly discussed and taken into consideration, the product can proceed to its final step of design which is implementation.