Designing professional user interfaces is not only a matter of a good graphic artist and some good ideas. Every UI decision, from a pixel’s precise placement to the entire site’s information architecture, should be made judiciously.

User Interface Design.

User Interface Design.

Careful consideration of the benefits each design decision affords and costs its users is essential. Unfortunately, people creating user interfaces just go for a product, without even being aware of the basics or the theoretical principles behind it. It’s the sometimes-subtle expense that many people often overlook, and every UI decision does have expense.

It’s no great mystery that truly great user interfaces are the ones that are engineered to stay out of the way.

When going to create a new interface, make sure to remember these fundamentals.

1. Know your user

Your user’s goals are your goals, so know them. Then, learn about your user’s skills and experience, and what they need. Find out what interfaces they like and sit down and watch how they use them. By focusing on user first, you will be able to create an interface that lets them achieve their goals.

2. Pay attention to patterns

Users spend most of their time on interfaces other than your own (Facebook, MySpace, Blogger, school/university, news websites, etc). Those interfaces may solve some of the same problems that users perceive within the one you are creating. Creating familiar UI patterns, you can help your users feel at home.

3. Stay consistent

They need to know when they learn to do something; they will be able to do it again. Language, layout, and design are just a few interface elements that need consistency.

4. Use visual hierarchy

Design your interface in a way that allows the user to focus on what is most important. The size, color, and placement of each element work together, creating a clear path to understanding your interface. A clear hierarchy will go great lengths in reducing the appearance of complexity .

5. Provide feedback

Your interface should at all times speak to your user, when his/her actions are both right and wrong or misunderstood. Always inform your users of actions, changes in state and errors, or exceptions that occur. Visual cues or simple messaging can guide user whether their actions allowing them for expected result.

6. Be forgiving

No matter how clear your design is, people will make mistakes. Your UI should allow for and tolerate user error. Design ways for users to undo actions, and be forgiving with varied inputs.

7. Empower your user

Once a user has become experienced with interface, reward them and take off the training wheels. The breakdown of complex tasks into simple steps will become cumbersome and distracting. Providing more abstract ways, like keyboard shortcuts, to accomplish tasks will allow your design to get out of the way.

8. Speak their language

All interfaces require some level of copywriting. Keep things conversational, not sensational. Provide clear and concise labels for actions and keep your messaging simple and straight.

9. Keep it simple

The best interface designs are invisible. Better not to contain unnecessary elements. Whenever you are thinking about adding a new feature or element to your interface, ask the question, “Does the user really need this?” Are you adding things because you like or want them? Never let your UI ego steal the show.

10. Keep moving forward

When creating a UI, you will make mistakes. Just keep moving forward, and remember to keep your UI out of the way.

More about design and graphics help please visit Clippingimages.com.

-Credits: Kyle Sollenberger.