The Ux Ui Consultancy Gobbledeygook
I used to be a consulting engineer, and as such, I used to read a lot of engineering papers. Very often, I would find so much academic fog in them that I'd vector straight to the conclusions!\
It's an unfortunate trait of humans to smother common sense in theory and terminology that few people can wade through - and then of course, the 'consultants' enter the field, charging large amounts of money for turning the jargon back into common sense!
That's what repeatedly happened to web design. I always find customers are relived when I tell them I speak English, not Geek! (Even though I am of course a Geek!).
This article started out as a post on SavvySME, but it's so important, I decided it was worth a lengthier post here. Enjoy!
1. The Rise of UX and UI Terminology
An overview of how the terms User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) have gained popularity in recent years. UX refers to the overall experience a user has while interacting with a product, focusing on aspects like ease of use and satisfaction. UI, on the other hand, deals with the visual and interactive elements of a product's interface, such as buttons and menus. The rise of mobile devices, digital services, and e-commerce platforms has led to a greater emphasis on creating user experiences that are easy to use and visually appealing. For example, the success of mobile apps like Instagram and Uber can be attributed to their intuitive interfaces and positive user experiences.
2. Glossary of the Damned
A discussion of how certain industry terms can be confusing and misleading for customers, leading to a perception of elitism and obfuscation. This can create communication barriers between clients and developers, making it challenging for non-experts to understand and participate in the design process. For example, the term "information architecture" simply refers to the organization of information on a website, while "affordances" are features that help users understand how to interact with a product, such as a button that appears clickable. By using everyday language to explain these concepts, developers can demystify the design process and make it more accessible to clients.
3. Simplifying UX: Four Key Principles
A breakdown of the four main components of good user experience mentioned in the text, with examples of how to achieve them:
- Efficiency: Designing the website to allow users to find what they want quickly and easily with a minimum number of clicks. For example, Amazon's search bar and category navigation help users locate products with ease.
- Aesthetics and Performance: Ensuring the website looks visually appealing and loads quickly, using optimized images and clean code. A well-designed website with fast-loading pages, like Apple's website, can enhance the user experience.
- Avoiding Dead Ends: Designing the website in a way that prevents users from reaching pages with no available actions or relevant information. For instance, 404 error pages should provide options to return to the homepage or search for another topic.
- Engaging and Original Content: Creating a website with interesting, unique content and a clean presentation that keeps users engaged and encourages them to explore further. A blog with high-quality articles and visually appealing images, such as Medium, can attract and retain readers.
4. The Myth of Exclusive UX Knowledge
An analysis of the perception that UX design requires specialized expertise, as opposed to being grounded in common sense. The text argues that a lot of UX principles are based on simple, intuitive ideas that can be understood and applied by anyone willing to learn. For example, the idea that users should be able to easily navigate a website and find relevant information is a common-sense principle that can be applied by anyone, regardless of their expertise in UX design.
5. The Business of UX Consulting
A look at the UX consulting industry and how it has capitalized on the perception of specialized knowledge. This section will explore how some consultants may overemphasize the complexity of UX principles to sell their services, while many of these principles can be understood and implemented using common sense and basic design knowledge. For example, instead of hiring an expensive UX consultant to address a small font size issue, a business owner could simply increase the font size themselves, improving the user experience without incurring additional costs.
6. The Relationship Between UX and UI
An examination of the relationship between User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), and how the two concepts are interconnected. While UX focuses on the overall experience a user has while interacting with a product, UI deals with the visual and interactive elements of the product's interface. A well-designed UI can significantly contribute to a positive UX by making it easy for users to understand and interact with the product. For example, an e-commerce website with clear, intuitive navigation and visually appealing product listings can lead to a more enjoyable shopping experience for users.
7. Demystifying UX and UI Terminology
A guide to explaining UX and UI concepts in everyday language, making them more accessible to non-experts. By providing clear, concise definitions and examples, this section aims to help readers better understand the principles behind UX and UI design. For instance, the term "usability" refers to how easy it is for users to accomplish their goals using a product, while "visual hierarchy" describes the arrangement of elements on a page to guide users' attention.
8. The Role of Common Sense in UX and UI Design
A discussion of how applying common sense can improve UX and UI design, by focusing on creating products that are easy to use and meet users' needs. By considering basic principles like clear navigation, readable text, and meaningful content, designers can create user experiences that are both enjoyable and effective. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding users' needs and expectations, rather than relying solely on specialized jargon and complex theories.
9. Bridging the Gap Between Experts and Non-Experts
An exploration of strategies for making UX and UI design more accessible to non-experts, by breaking down complex concepts into simpler, more understandable terms. By using clear, everyday language and providing practical examples, designers and developers can help clients better understand and participate in the design process. For example, explaining the importance of "call-to-action" buttons in driving user engagement can help clients see the value in incorporating these elements into their website design.
10. Identifying and Addressing UX and UI Issues
A guide to recognizing and resolving common UX and UI problems, using practical examples and real-world scenarios. By understanding the potential issues that can arise during the design process, designers and clients can work together to create products that meet users' needs and expectations. For instance, addressing issues like slow page load times or confusing navigation can significantly improve the user experience and lead to greater user satisfaction.
11. The Importance of Clear Communication in UX and UI Design
A discussion of the value of clear and effective communication between designers, developers, and clients in the UX and UI design process. By fostering open dialogue and mutual understanding, all parties can work together to create products that meet users' needs and expectations. This approach emphasizes the need for collaboration and shared understanding, rather than relying on technical jargon and specialized expertise.
12. The Impact of Good UX and UI on Business Success
An examination of how effective UX and UI design can contribute to a business's success, by enhancing user satisfaction and driving user engagement. By focusing on creating products that are easy to use, visually appealing, and meet users' needs, businesses can attract and retain customers, leading to increased revenue and growth. Examples of successful companies with strong UX and UI design principles include Amazon, Apple, and Airbnb.
13. Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in UX and UI Design
A look at the importance of finding the right balance between aesthetics and functionality in UX and UI design, and how this can lead to a more satisfying user experience. By considering both the visual appeal and usability of a product, designers can create experiences that are not only visually engaging but also easy to use and navigate. For example, a visually stunning website that is difficult to navigate may frustrate users and drive them away, while a functional but unattractive site may not hold their interest.
14. Learning From UX and UI Best Practices
A review of established UX and UI best practices, and how they can serve as a foundation for creating effective and user-centered products. By understanding and applying these principles, designers and clients can work together to create experiences that meet users' needs and expectations. Some examples of best practices include using clear, concise language, providing helpful error messages, and designing for accessibility.
15. The Role of User Feedback in UX and UI Design
An exploration of the importance of user feedback in the UX and UI design process, and how it can help designers and clients create products that better meet users' needs and expectations. By gathering feedback through methods such as usability testing, surveys, and analytics, designers can identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about design changes. For example, if users consistently report difficulty in finding specific information on a website, designers can reevaluate the site's navigation and information architecture to address these concerns.
16. The Evolution of UX and UI Design
A look at the historical development of UX and UI design, and how it has evolved over time to meet the changing needs of users and technology. From the early days of web design to the rise of mobile devices and responsive design, the field has continually adapted to new challenges and opportunities. By understanding this history, designers and clients can appreciate the ongoing need for innovation and adaptation in the UX and UI design process.
17. The Future of UX and UI Design
A discussion of emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the future of UX and UI design, and how designers and clients can stay ahead of the curve. As new devices, platforms, and user expectations continue to evolve, the field of UX and UI design will need to adapt and innovate to remain relevant. Some potential areas of growth and change include virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things.
18. Debunking UX and UI Design Myths
A look at common misconceptions and myths about UX and UI design, and how they can be debunked by focusing on the fundamental principles and best practices that underlie the field. By addressing these myths, designers and clients can gain a clearer understanding of what truly matters in UX and UI design, and how to create products that meet users' needs and expectations. For example, the myth that good design is solely about aesthetics can be debunked by emphasizing the importance of usability and user satisfaction.
19. The Value of Collaboration in UX and UI Design
A discussion of the benefits of collaboration between designers, developers, clients, and users in the UX and UI design process. By working together and sharing ideas, all parties can contribute their unique perspectives and expertise, leading to more effective and user-centered products. This approach emphasizes the need for open communication, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to meeting users' needs and expectations.
20. Empowering Non-Experts in UX and UI Design
A call to action for making UX and UI design more accessible and empowering for non-experts, by providing clear explanations, practical examples, and a focus on common-sense principles. By demystifying the field and making it more approachable, designers and clients can work together to create products that meet users' needs and expectations, without relying on specialized jargon or elitist attitudes.
Table of Ux and Ui Terms with Plain language Meaning
| Number | Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accessibility | The practice of designing products, devices, services, or environments to be usable by as many people as possible, including those with disabilities. |
| 2 | Affordance | A design feature that helps users understand how to interact with an element or interface, such as a button that visually appears clickable. |
| 3 | Card Sorting | A user-centered design technique for organizing content or navigation in a way that makes sense to users, typically involving the categorization of items into groups. |
| 4 | Cognitive Load | The mental effort required to process and retain information, which can be affected by the complexity and organization of an interface or content. |
| 5 | Consistency | The uniformity of design elements, such as colors, fonts, and layout, which can help create a coherent and predictable user experience. |
| 6 | Conversion Rate | The percentage of users who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or signing up for a newsletter, out of the total number of users who visit a website or app. |
| 7 | Customer Journey | The path and experience that a customer goes through when interacting with a brand, product, or service, from initial discovery to purchase and beyond. |
| 8 | Design Thinking | A problem-solving approach that involves empathy, experimentation, and iteration, focusing on understanding users' needs and creating solutions that meet those needs. |
| 9 | Fitts' Law | A principle stating that the time required to move to a target area, such as a button or link, is a function of the distance to the target and the size of the target. In UX design, this means that larger, closer targets are easier and faster to interact with. |
| 10 | Heuristic Evaluation | A usability inspection method where experts evaluate a product or interface against a set of established usability principles, or heuristics, to identify potential usability issues. |
| 11 | Information Architecture (IA) | The organization, structure, and labeling of content in a way that supports usability, findability, and efficient navigation within a digital product or website. |
| 12 | Interaction Design | The design of how users interact with a product or interface, focusing on creating meaningful and effective communication between the user and the product. |
| 13 | Mobile-First Design | An approach to designing digital products that prioritizes the mobile experience, ensuring that the design works well on smaller screens and then adapting it for larger screens. |
| 14 | Mental Model | A user's mental representation of how a system or interface works, based on their prior knowledge, expectations, and experiences. |
| 15 | Persona | A fictional character created to represent a specific user group, based on research and data, to help designers empathize with and better understand the needs, goals, and behaviors of their target audience. |
| 16 | Progressive Disclosure | A design technique where information and functionality are revealed gradually as the user interacts with the interface, reducing cognitive load and increasing usability. |
| 17 | Responsive Design | An approach to designing digital products that ensures the layout and user interface adapt to different screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal user experience across a variety of platforms. |
| 18 | User-Centered Design (UCD) | A design philosophy and process that prioritizes the needs, preferences, and goals of the end user, involving them throughout the design and development process to create more effective and usable products. |
| 19 | User Flow | A visualization of the steps a user takes to accomplish a specific task within a product or interface, helping designers understand and optimize the user experience. |
| 20 | User Interface (UI) | The visual and interactive elements of a digital product or interface that users interact with, such as buttons, menus, and forms. |
| 21 | User Testing | The process of evaluating a product or interface by observing real users interacting with it, with the goal of identifying usability issues and areas for improvement. |
| 22 | Usability | The extent to which a product or interface is easy and efficient for users to accomplish their goals, often measured by factors such as learnability, efficiency , memorability, error prevention, and user satisfaction. |
| 23 | User Experience (UX) | The overall experience a user has when interacting with a product, system, or service, encompassing aspects such as usability, accessibility, and emotional impact. |
| 24 | Visual Hierarchy | The arrangement and presentation of design elements in a way that indicates their importance, guiding users' attention and helping them understand the content and structure of a digital product or interface. |
| 25 | Wireframe | A basic, visual representation of a digital product's layout, used to communicate the structure, content, and functionality of a page or screen during the early stages of the design process. |
About the author
Rowley Keith MBA BSc (Hons)