If you want to design a good website, then you need to know the basics of UI and UX. These two fields focus on making sites functional and easy to use for all users. But if you want to delve into UI/UX, it might seem like a challenging field to enter. Everyone looks and sounds like an expert, and the field is increasingly becoming crowded.
User interface design deals with website navigation and making it as efficient and uncomplicated as possible. The Internet is full of linky and confusing websites, and people shouldn’t have to consult a guide just to navigate one.
Nobody starts out knowing everything there is to know about their field. Even seasoned professionals have gaps in their knowledge, which is why collaboration is crucial in fields that blend tech and art like website design.
1. Learn typography and basic design principles
If you want to go far in this field, you need a strong foundation on typography and basic design principles. Knowing how signs work and what they mean will go a long way when designing a site’s user interface.
Unlike other artistic fields, the goal of UI design is more practical. Simplicity should take precedence over design. Of course, you’ll also want to learn how to manipulate graphics to make it serve the needs of the user interface.
The Internet is full of short courses you can take to cover any knowledge gaps you might have. For starters, some of the topics you should study include branding, marketing, and logo and product design. You also need to brush up on your typography basics so that you can choose the best font styles for a particular project.
2. Keep it simple
Whether you are designing a product or a website, you need to keep it as clear and straightforward as possible. Continually edit the project until you have distilled it to its purest core.
The end-user should not have any difficulty when using the site. They shouldn’t need to consult a guide or search endlessly to get what they want. The navigation should feel natural and intuitive. And for the cherry on top, don’t forget to make the design eye-popping. Nobody wants to use a website that looks dull, unengaging, and boring.
3. Do your research
It’s not enough to know how good user interfaces work. You might have the basics, but do know that you’re just getting started. The first stage of any project is research. You might know how to manipulate and balance elements, but you should also translate that into something that works for the client.
The project is not about you. Keep in mind the client’s goals when designing the user interface. For instance, if the client is a major brand, you need to make sure that the UI looks like it’s an extension of the client’s brand.
These pointers will help you master the fundamentals of UI and UX design. Once you have grasped the basics of web design and absorbed the principles behind a good UI, your next focus should be building your portfolio. As you gain more practical experience, you’ll get better clients in no time.
