Many of us are swamped with the amount of options when it comes to designing a webpage or an app, leading us to overcomplicate and even destroy the user experience (UX), thus alienating the user. However, this doesn’t have to be so, and in this post we offer you a few pieces of advice to guide you in the right direction. UX boils down to the practical, meaningful and valuable facets of a user’s interaction with the computer, with a focus on utility, efficiency and of course an important factor in today’s age, ease of use. Now user experience design (UXD or UED) focuses on increasing and enhancing the satisfaction as well as pleasure that the user will get from using your product via a process of improving its usability and accessibility. This naturally makes sense, as dated unintuitive programs are left behind if UXD isn’t constantly taken into account. However, with the plethora of tools and programs available developers sometimes struggle when it comes to making the user interface (UI) comfortable for the user. Just think of why webpages and apps fail, even with a great idea. However, just how can you avoid the pitfalls of overcomplicating your product? Well, here are some simple rules that we at Polcode believe that if you follow, and with a fair amount of analytical thinking, will lead to a much better result.

Think like a user, not a designer.

Look at your product from the user’s perspective –what will the user want to do? Is it intuitive? Simple? Usable? These are essential questions to ask yourself when planning out your product.

Good UXD is the effect of a process, looking for the right solutions and trying different things.

It’s much better to consistently update and respond to user comments, as well as trying out some new solutions to old problems. Spending months on a product, releasing it, and then leaving it alone will only leave it floundering later.

Be ambitious, think of the box, don’t hold yourself back and set the bar high.

Thinking out of the box may be hard, but try this – don’t go with the first idea that comes to mind, start with the 5^th idea and challenge yourself.

Try to distinguish yourself but be familiar, internal consistency is crucial.

Sometimes a completely different and innovative idea can be too creative, leaving the user feeling alienated. So be different, just not so much that the user doesn’t even know where the home button is.

Simplicity (intuitiveness) is the ultimate form of sophistication.

Simplicity, finesse and a well-crafted interface will get your users coming back for more.

Now, if you follow these essential rules you may come up with a brilliant product – but don’t stop there. Resting on your laurels is one of the worst things you can do as every product can be improved – you have to continuously look for where to enhance your UI. A/B testing is essential in this aspect.

The more information you have about the subject, the better you can tailor your product. Check out this list from AWWARDS for a great source of inspiration and knowledge.

We hope that these few rules will guide you in the right direction with your next, and existing, products.

Till next time!