Ten principles of UI design

The User Interface (UI) is the element of technology, such as software or web applications, that facilitates the convenient and efficient use of a web design. UI design can be complicated; it is however a key part of web development. UI designers must keep these 10 basic principles in mind:

1. Understanding the market
   This is the target market made of users that will be interacting with the web design. Designers must consider:
   • Who will be using the website
   • How it will be used
   • What it will be used for

   Focus should be on the user.

2. Using familiar concepts
   Users will feel more confident with a web design if they can easily and quickly identify its basic components. Concepts like home buttons and navigational tabs are familiar and easy enough to use that consumers are instantly comfortable with them.
3. Allocating features
   Some features of a UI will be used more often, or will be vital to the functions of a website. These should be brought to the forefront of the interface, and made easy for users to find.
4. Logical design
   Consistency and logical mapping of website features is a key concept in the comfort and user-friendliness of a product. Align presentation and function, and integrate each one seamlessly.
5. Highlighting changes
   When a user makes a change in a website, the result should be obvious. Mouse over changes and clearly defined borders can help with this, making users confident in their interaction.
6. Adding convenience
   Users often want a convenient, no-nonsense shortcut once they have learned how to use a website. This lends convenience to web design that makes the site more appealing and efficient for experienced users.
7. Using aesthetics
   Moving, blinking, flashing and other elaborate components get noticed more quickly. Adding such features to an interface will help users identify more important changes and functions by making them stand out and draw attention.
8. Providing assistance
   An important component of the UI is the Help section. It should answer these questions:
   • What can this website do for me?
   • What are the functions on this website?
   • How do I initiate these functions?
   • Where do I find these functions?
   • What do I do if something goes wrong?
9. Quality testing
   Designers and developers must know if a web design covers all the needs a user may have. This is determined by testing the quality of a UI and its various components before releasing it.
10. Analyzing feedback
    User reviews are important to the further development and improvement of a website. Developers should be able to get feedback from users and analyze it to their benefit. This is often an important component of the UI. The overall goal for a UI is to make the site more efficient and attractive to users. This is an important implement of the UI, since such factors can determine the marketability of a website, and how well it sells. This is also an important way to help the public become more familiar and comfortable with today’s ever-advancing technology.