Designing UIs for User Delight

How to make Great UIs

To deliver impressive GUIs, remember – users are humans, with needs such as comfort and low cognitive loads. Follow these guidelines:

Make elements such as buttons and other common elements perform predictably (including responses such as pinch = zoom) so users can unconsciously use them everywhere. Form should follow function.

Maintain high discoverability. Clearly label icons and include well-indicated affordances.

Keep interfaces simple and create an “invisible” feel. Every element must serve a purpose.

Respect the user’s eye and attention regarding layout; focus on hierarchy and readability:
            Alignment – minimize your number of alignment lines (think justified text); typically choose              edge (over center) alignment.

Draw attention to key features using:
             Color, brightness and contrast. Avoid including colors or buttons excessively.

Text via font sizes, bold type/weighting, italics, capitals and distance between letters. Users should pick up meanings just by scanning.

Minimize the number of actions for performing tasks but focus on one chief function per page; guide users by indicating preferred actions. Ease complex tasks by using progressive disclosure.

Put controls near objects users want to control.

Keep users informed vis-à-vis system responses/actions with feedback.

Consider defaults to reduce user burdens (e.g., pre-fill forms).

Use reusable design patterns to guide behavior regarding navigation and search functions.

Concentrate on maintaining brand consistency.