As a user interface (UI) designer, you probably already know that UI is one of the most crucial components of any digital product. When user interfaces are designed effectively, users might not be aware of it. However, when it’s executed improperly, most users might be incapable of utilizing it in the most effective manner possible.

Whether you are looking for approaches to enhance the quality of your product design or are a newcomer to the industry and would like to develop a good understanding of interface design, knowing the critical principles of UI design below is essential.

User Control

An excellent user interface provides people a sense of control. Users will feel more at ease if they possess control over the software they are using; they will be able to learn faster and develop a great sense of mastery more rapidly.

According to Jakob Nielsen, user control is one of the many fundamental principles of user interfaces that should be highlighted. The reason why it’s imperative is that users have a tendency to select system functionality by accident.

Therefore, a clearly visible exit button is necessary so that users can depart from the undesirable state. This entails providing users with several choices for going back if they make a mistake.

For instance, you can provide a “Back” button where users can click it to go back to the last page they were on. Similarly, you should also ensure the exit button on your website is adequately visible.

Clarity

A user interface’s clarity is one of its most defining components. Bear in mind that the primary aim of your user interface is to make it much more manageable for people to engage with a software product you develop.

Your objective is to develop an interface that bridges the gap in knowledge between what people are already aware of and what they need to know to utilize your product effectively. 

Thus, when you develop your digital product, you need to ensure several essential things. These include the intuitiveness of your software navigation, the availability of viewable buttons, and the precise purpose of every component of your software product.

Excellent user interfaces are those that can engage users’ attention in only eight seconds. For this reason, you need to ensure your users don’t waste time just reading lengthy explanations and labels of your product.

Simplicity

Simplicity is another fundamental principle of a great UI that goes hand in hand with clarity.  An app may have clear labels for actions or buttons. However, if the labels are considerably lengthy to the extent that it clutters their interface, users may find it irritating.

Only a user interface is made up of required logical and succinct elements that can be deemed high quality. That is why prior to adding content or features to your web interface, you need to ensure whether or not users truly need this option to complete their task.

Avoid incorporating excessive embellishments or needless components. Quality user interfaces are those that limit the elements to those that are absolutely necessary. Don’t add stuff merely to satisfy your needs; instead, emphasize the quality of the user experience.

Visual Hierarchy

Designing an interface so that people can focus on what is really vital is a feature that’s often neglected yet crucial to achieving a good UI. Suppose you strive to make everything in your product appear essential. In that case, you’ll instead end up with overloaded information and a poor UX.

Providing contrast between element placements, colors, and sizes is the perfect method of giving users a clear understanding of what they should do. Implementing the principle of visual hierarchy can reduce the complexity of user interfaces while assisting people in completing tasks.

Versatility

Versatility is generally about getting to know the users and providing them flexibility for various intents. It’s a fundamental principle of a successful user interface design.

To incorporate this principle into your interface, you can ensure the design works great on all devices, either it’s your father’s old computer or your latest tablet. 

Not only does your UI is easy to understand for new users, but it should also include elements that can accelerate experienced users to complete their operations. Ensure that your software product is versatile for all users, either for beginners or experts.

Final Thoughts

Finally, while developing a UI, keep in mind that it’s impossible for your product to always appeal to everyone. Indeed, you can do your utmost to make it appealing to the majority. Regardless, you’ll never be able to make your interface design please everyone.

However, taking all these five principles of user interfaces into mind when selecting what to and what not to include in your UI can help you keep prospective users at the core of your decisions.