Fundamentals of UI Design

In this comprehensive UI design guide, I’ll be exploring how can we can design interfaces that are more consistent and scalable. Our goal at this phase of the design process is to apply what we’ve learned to our user interface design by:

• Using benchmarking to develop interface inventories.
• Building a UI patterns library
• Embracing animation as a way of communicating with users

This guide aims to help us create a structured way to design User Interfaces (UI) that works well for different projects and can grow as our needs evolve. UI design covers many aspects, so think of this article as a quick introduction to get us started. Towards the end, I've also listed some recommended reading materials to give you more in-depth knowledge.

Get started with Interface inventory

Whether you are creating a new product or revising an old one, creating a n interface inventory is very efficient and essential. Interface inventory help us to make sure that our elements are consistent and well-organized, just like a content inventory that ensures consistency in words, images, and other content types.

Why it’s important?

Spending some extra time to establish an interface inventory can help us save a lot of time in the long run. It can help us create a design system that our team members can follow-up to ensure a consistent flow, making our design more scalable and easier to manage. This inventory not only focuses on our current design elements but can also grow and evolve as our product does.

What is an interface Inventory?

The term “interface inventory” was coined by Brad Frost. Similar to a content inventory but for UI design. In an Interface inventory we can categorize the components that make up our product. This inventory is a comprehensive collection of all the elements that are building blocks for our design interface.

Steps to create an interface inventory

Some of the foundational steps you can follow to create an interface inventory are following:

1. Take Screenshots: We can start by taking screenshots of every UI component we’ve designed. This can include everything from typography to images, icons, and other elements. This step can be time-consuming but is very important especially for spotting inconsistencies in our design elements across our team.
2. Categorize Components: Than we can organize the screenshots systematically. We can also use tools like Keynote or PowerPoint to arrange and present our work. We can categorize elements such as:

• Typography: Headings and subheadingsText elements (standfirsts, paragraphs)Lists
• Images and media LogosIconographyImages
• Forms Text inputsRadio/Checkbox inputsSelect menus

3. Review and discuss: Once everything’s documented and categorized, we should review the inventory with our team or with our client. This discussion would help us better understand the necessary components and identify any overlapping patterns, which can streamline our design process.

If we follow these steps, we can create a well-organized, consistent, and scalable design system. This process will help our team work more efficiently and ensures that our product’s UI is cohesive and user-friendly.

Building a Pattern Library

After creating our interface inventory and organizing all the components, the next step is to identify common UI patterns and build a pattern library around those patterns. Building a Pattern Library is very important to ensure consistency and efficiency in our design process.

What is a Pattern Library?

A pattern library is a collection of reusable UI components that help us solve common design problems. These components, or “patterns,” are like LEGO blocks — small pieces that can be combined to create complex designs.

Example of Common UI Patterns

• Calendar Pickers: Components that allow users to select dates.
• Breadcrumb Trails: Navigation aids showing users their location in a website.
• Carousels: Sliders that display multiple items in a rotating format.

Benefits of a Pattern Library

1. Consistency: By using predefined components, our design can remain uniform across different portions of our product.
2. Shared Visual Vocabulary: A pattern library also provides a set of design standards that all our team members can use. This help us ensure that everyone is on the same page and reduces the need for ad-hoc design solutions.
3. Efficiency: As our product grows, maintaining and updating the design becomes easier because it’s built on a core set of reusable components. This helps us saves time and effort in the long run.

Steps to build a Pattern Library:

Some of the foundational steps you can follow to build a Pattern Library are following:

1. Identify Common Patterns: We can start by analysing our interface inventory to find recurring design elements. Look for components that solve similar problems and group them together.
2. Create Reusable Components: Break down the interface into smaller, modular elements. Each component should be reusable and adaptable to different parts of your design.
3. Document and Organize: We can also use tools like Keynote, PowerPoint, or dedicated design systems to document each pattern. We should include details on how and when to use each component.
4. Review and Iterate: Regularly review pattern library with the design team. Make updates and improvements based on feedback and evolving design needs.

Embracing Atomic Design

Atomic design is a methodical approach to designing user interfaces by breaking them down into their smallest components and building up from there. This concept, given by Brad Frost, is inspired by chemistry, where smaller units combine to form complex structures.

Key concepts of Atomic Design

1. Atoms: The smallest building blocks of an interface, like buttons, input fields, and labels.
2. Molecules: Groups of atoms bonded together, forming simple UI components like a search bar (input field + button).
3. Organisms: Complex components made up of molecules and atoms, like a navigation bar.
4. Templates: Page-level objects that place components into a layout, like a webpage structure.
5. Pages: Specific instances of templates, showing how the UI looks with real content.

Benefits of Atomic Design

• Consistency: Ensures all parts of the interface follow the same design principles.
• Scalability: Makes it easy to add new features or modify existing ones without disrupting the overall design.
• Efficiency: Streamlines the design process by reusing components.

Implementing an Atomic Design

1. Start Small: Begin by designing the smallest elements (atoms).
2. Combine Elements: Use these atoms to create molecules and organisms.
3. Build Templates and Pages: Assemble organisms into templates and specific pages.

LEGO Example

Think of building a UI like constructing with LEGO. You start with individual blocks (atoms), combine them to make larger pieces (molecules and organisms), and then assemble these into complete structures (templates and pages).

By using this approach, we can create a flexible and consistent design system that can adapt to changes and grow over time. This method ensures that our UI remains coherent and easy to manage as your product evolves.

Interactions and Animations

In “first part, the importance of designing consistent and scalable interfaces through a systematic approach was emphasized. Unlike print design, which is static, designing for screens involves creating for a fluid medium, making interaction design distinct from graphic design. Interaction designers focus on how elements within the pages interact, rather than just designing static pages. This distinction is often overlooked by some graphic designers who may think their role is only to design sets of pages to be later integrated by technical personnel. It is very important for designers to understand how the medium works, including basic coding principles, to create memorable user experiences. Designing for screens involves considering user interactions, handling transitions between screens, and providing feedback within UI components. Both macro-interactions (at the page level) and micro-interactions (at the object level) need to be considered to ensure a seamless and engaging user experience.

Getting from A to B

It’s time to focus on how users move between screens, going from A to B to C. Previously, transitions between screens were simple due to limited device capabilities. However, with increased processing power in modern devices, we can create more immersive experiences with animations and transitions.

It’s essential to use these advanced features wisely to enhance user experience without overdoing it. For instance, screens can transition in various ways: fading or swiping from bottom to top, left to right, or scaling in. When designing these transitions, consider several factors:

1. Trigger: How users initiate the transition, such as clicking a button or swiping.
2. Type of Transition: Choose carefully between dissolves, wipes, scales, etc., as each communicates differently to the user.
3. Duration: Decide whether the transition should be fast or slow.

These choices impact the user journey, so they must be thoughtfully made. The type of content also influences these decisions. For narrative content, slower transitions might help pace the story, while in other cases, quicker transitions might be preferable to avoid interrupting the user’s flow.

Interacting with Objects

After setting up the main interactions between pages (macro-interactions), it’s important to focus on the smaller interactions within a page, known as micro-interactions. These involve specific elements like buttons and form fields, where a bit of animation can provide useful feedback to users.

Why Micro-Interactions Matter?

Micro-interactions are crucial because they offer visual feedback, reassuring users that their actions have been acknowledged. For example, when we flip a light switch, we hear a click and see the light turn on or off, confirming that the switch worked. This same concept applies to user interfaces on screens.

How to Implement Effective Micro-Interactions

• Buttons: When a user clicks a button, a small animation or color change can indicate that the click was registered.
• Form Fields: Provide feedback on form fields, such as showing password strength as users type, to make the experience smoother and more informative.
• Date Pickers and Calendars: Use animations to help users understand their selections and interactions more clearly.

Important Considerations

• Balance: While animations can improve user experience, they should be used economically. Overdoing it can make the interface feel cluttered and distracting.
• Accessibility: Be mindful that not all users appreciate or can handle animations. For some, such as those with vestibular disorders, animations can cause dizziness or nausea. Always consider accessibility when designing micro-interactions.

Conclusion

When designing a user interface, it’s beneficial to have a system in place to ensure everything is consistent and well-considered. Starting with an interface inventory, especially when redesigning an existing product, helps identify areas needing improvement. Over time, inconsistencies naturally develop, and an interface inventory helps pinpoint these issues. Establishing a solid design system is crucial for consistency. It aligns your team and provides clear guidelines for freelancers, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Lastly, pay attention to designing interactions and animations. Since we design for screens, we must consider how our designs respond to user interactions, taking advantage of the flexible nature of digital media. By following these steps, you’ll create a robust and lasting user interface.

Suggested Readings

Here are some recommended readings to help us get started with our design journey, whether online or offline:

• Alla Kholmatova’s book “Design Systems” is highly recommended for understanding how to build effective design systems that empower teams to create top-notch digital products.
• Brad Frost’s “Atomic Design” is another great resource focusing on creating efficient interface design systems. His insights are valuable, and his blog is worth bookmarking for ongoing learning.
• For those interested in mastering interactions and animations, Val Head’s resources on Animation and UX are highly recommended.
• If you’re focusing on web design and new to animation, Donovan Hutchinson’s CSS Animation course comes highly recommended. Hutchinson’s teaching style is clear and effective, making it an excellent starting point for learning.