{"id":539,"date":"2010-11-30T09:00:17","date_gmt":"2010-11-30T17:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/?p=539"},"modified":"2019-05-30T10:47:49","modified_gmt":"2019-05-30T17:47:49","slug":"principles-of-user-experience-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Principles of User Experience Design"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><acronym title=\"User Experience Design\">UX<\/acronym> is an abbreviation for User Experience.  You may have heard it referred to as User Interface Design.  In recent years, the trend has been to move more toward <acronym title=\"User Experience Design\">UX<\/acronym>, as it is a more comprehensive approach to design than it&#8217;s predecessor.  <acronym title=\"User Experience Design\">UX<\/acronym> takes into account more than just the science and engineering of design.  It includes psychology and philosophy of design as well.  Creating a great experience for users takes time, and effort.  Some of the simplest principles are often forgotten or overlooked.  Try to keep these things in mind during your design process.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Give_The_User_Some_Space\" >Give The User Some Space<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Less_Is_More\" >Less Is More<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Your_Users_Arent_Multitaskers\" >Your Users Aren&#8217;t Multitaskers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Layout_is_Very_Important\" >Layout is Very Important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Always_Point_the_Way_with_Cues_and_Signposts\" >Always Point the Way with Cues and Signposts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Dont_Confuse_Them_With_Your_Words\" >Don&#8217;t Confuse Them With Your Words<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Efficient_SiteHappy_Customer\" >Efficient Site=Happy Customer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Help_Your_Users_AVOID_Errors\" >Help Your Users AVOID Errors<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Tweak_Their_Emotions\" >Tweak Their Emotions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#Be_Consistent\" >Be Consistent<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/#UX_Is_A_Dialogue_Not_a_Monologue\" >UX Is A Dialogue, Not a Monologue<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Give_The_User_Some_Space\"><\/span>Give The User Some Space<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Remember that people on your site are there to get something done.  Do not put things into your design that will distract or deter them.  They need to have  a clear path to follow. Help them complete tasks quickly and without restriction.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Less_Is_More\"><\/span>Less Is More<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When my wife and I go out for a meal, the larger the menu, the longer it takes for her to make a choice.  People need fewer choices, not more.  Get rid of the things that are just &#8220;nice to have&#8221; and focus on the necessary elements for your user&#8217;s success only.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_Users_Arent_Multitaskers\"><\/span>Your Users Aren&#8217;t Multitaskers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most people aren&#8217;t.  They like to focus on one thing and get it done.  Make sure that tasks on your site are designed to be completed one after the other and not two or more at the same time.  This will help the user stay focused and in the moment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Layout_is_Very_Important\"><\/span>Layout is Very Important<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>How close related objects are to one another, the ease of completing common tasks, the colors, the fonts, column widths,  size of images, and a host of other factors all combine to create a great layout.   Be sure to give the most crucial elements on your page the greatest prominence.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Always_Point_the_Way_with_Cues_and_Signposts\"><\/span>Always Point the Way with Cues and Signposts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make very sure that your users never get lost while on your website.  Use signposts to point them in the right direction.  Remind them of where they have been and where they are going.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Confuse_Them_With_Your_Words\"><\/span>Don&#8217;t Confuse Them With Your Words<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Using industry jargon, company speak, or insider lingo is unwise.  You want clear, concise, common language for all of your content.  Remember, your site is for the user, not you.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Efficient_SiteHappy_Customer\"><\/span>Efficient Site=Happy Customer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make your site as efficient as possible.  Combine tasks when you can, provide preselected options, and create fast loading pages.  This will allow your user to get much more done in a shorter amount of time, and they love that.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Help_Your_Users_AVOID_Errors\"><\/span>Help Your Users AVOID Errors<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you know a certain action will result in an error for the user, either fix it or redirect their path so they can avoid it.  Being proactive will help the user avoid frustration.  Make sure that actions are reversible in case the user makes errors&#8230;after all, NO ONE IS PERFECT!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tweak_Their_Emotions\"><\/span>Tweak Their Emotions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Making a site that is easy to use is one thing.  Making one that is a pleasure to use it quite another.  Try to incorporate warmth, whimsy, wit&#8230;anything that will make the user feel more engaged and energized.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Be_Consistent\"><\/span>Be Consistent<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Just as it is true in Search Engine Optimization, writing content, blogging, marketing, promotions, and virtually every other facet of your business, consistency is of extreme importance when designing the user experience.  Everything should fit together.  This includes links, images, terminology, action buttons, everything!<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UX_Is_A_Dialogue_Not_a_Monologue\"><\/span><acronym title=\"User Experience Design\">UX<\/acronym> Is A Dialogue, Not a Monologue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Be sure you get feedback from your users on the design of your site.  If they tell you something is wrong, fix it right away.  If you can&#8217;t, let them know you are working on it and that their feedback is important to you.  Everyone wants to know that their voice is heard.<\/p>\n<p>Now, these are just a few basic principles I have gathered from research and experience.  There are literally thousands of tips, tricks, and guidelines for <acronym title=\"User Experience Design\">UX<\/acronym> out there.  Still, if you follow these basic principles, you should be able to produce a site that keeps them coming back again and again!<\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n      {\n        \"@context\": \"http:\/\/schema.org\",\n        \"@type\": \"NewsArticle\",\n\t\"dateModified\": \"https:\/\/calendar.google.com\/calendar\/r\/day\/2019\/5\/29\",\n\t\"mainEntityOfPage\": \"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/2010\/11\/30\/principles-of-user-experience-design\/\",\n\"author\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Person\",\n    \"name\": \"Jeff Lew\"\n  },\n   \"publisher\": {\n    \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n    \"name\": \"Numinix Web Developers\",\n    \"logo\": {\n      \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/images\/banner_hero_clarity.png\"\n    }\n    },\n        \"headline\": \"Principles of User Experience Design\",\n        \"datePublished\": \"2010-11-30T16:00:41Z\",\n        \"image\": [\n          \"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/web-design.jpg\"\n        ]\n      }\n    <\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>UX is an abbreviation for User Experience. You may have heard it referred to as User Interface Design. In recent years, the trend has been to move more toward UX, as it is a more comprehensive approach to design than it&#8217;s predecessor. UX takes into account more than just the science and engineering of design&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[235,211],"class_list":["post-539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-usability","tag-user-experience","tag-user-interface-design"],"modified_by":"Numinix Developer","jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/54"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=539"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/539\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.numinix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}