UI Design Process - Step-by-Step
UI design process involves the creation of interfaces in computerized gadgets, with more focus on style and look. The process aims to make interfaces that users find pleasurable and easy to use. The designers must ensure that they create something appealing because users get attracted to what they see first before they can think of going into more in-depth details of an app. The UI design process involves the use of different techniques and tools. The advancement of technology has made it easy for designers to create user interfaces without the need of having programming skills. Continue reading the article to know how to create UI effectively.
Detailed UI Design Process
Here are UI design process steps you need to follow to create something that offers value to the target users.
Step 1. Do Research
The first thing you should do is to carry out research that helps you collect information that will help you create UI design that will be of value to the end-user. If you fail to do enough research, you might end up being disappointed when your design fails to attract the number of people you intended. During the research, you should analyze the competition, check the current trends, ask targets users their needs and what they expect from a good UI design. Check other similar designs in the market to know their strong points, weak points, good features and bad features. In addition, look at the gaps that your new UI design should fill to give more satisfaction to the end-users.
Comprehensive research will assist you in deciding on the best style to apply for your new product. Decide on the graphics, colors and fonts to apply to create one that is unique from the others in the market. During this step of the process of UI design, you can also think of the layout to apply. You need to create a mood board where all ideas are collected and be sure to receive feedback before you indulge in the actual UI design process.
There are various ways you can use to gather the required information as you carry out research. One of the best methods you can use is interviews. This involves face to face interaction with some of the targeted end-users of your product. Ask them as many questions as possible, including what they expect from the UI design and many others that will help you create a design that gives them total satisfaction. Be sure to clarify your assumption and get to understand your real users. The other method you can use to get the required information is survey. This is useful if you require to gather information from a lot of users and not able to do face to face interview.
Step 2. Prototype for UI Design
During the user interface design process, you should make sure that you use the right tool to get the best experience and end product. Wondershare Mockitt offers the best user design experience to both new and experienced UI designers. The tool has some of the best features that make process UI smooth. Most designers like it since it allows the creation of interactive mobile apps by developing the prototypes fast, helping save time. It also makes it possible for designers to build combo and object templates, built-in widget in an easier way through its drag-and-drop functionality. With this tool, writing the complex code is not necessary.
It allows for real-time collaboration because it makes it possible for a designer to share prototypes with others by adding them to the project. This is a great feature if you are doing the designing work as a group. Besides, it is also possible to get feedback from others to make the necessary improvements. This tool also generates QR codes that give a designer the opportunity to scan the code by use of the Android or iOS device camera to test the UI design. This helps you show the functionality of your prototype to others.
How to make an app prototype with Wondershare Mockitt
Step 1: Create a new project
- Click create a new project to start the app prototyping. Choose blank project and name it.
Step 2: Design the app
- Add widgets and icons-Add the fast widgets by double-clicking or dragging them to the canvas. You also add my widgets, build in widgets and icons. Add them by double-clicking or dragging them to the canvas.
- Add links between screens- Add the links by either choosing one widget and then click new link in the panel found on the right side or dragging the link icon on the left side to the target screen. From there you can then adjust the action, gesture and animation on the link panel.
- Add notes- use the sticky feature in the icon library to add notes to provide more details about your UI design.
- Create interactive animations-use the dynamic widgets to create interactive animations.
Step 3. Development
- Now that you have made your prototype and happy with its look and functionality. You can develop the UI design by including all the features you and to have. Wondershare Mockitt helps you add all these features satisfactorily. After that, preview the design to ensure it is perfect.
Step 4. Launch
- After you are satisfied that the app is fully functional, it is time to launch it.
Tips to Make Good UI Wireframe Design
Making good UI wireframe design requires use of the following tips.
1. Have clear objectives
First, think of what you want to attain by the use of the wireframes. Without clear objectives, you will not make a wireframe that will offer value to clients.
2. Sketching your ideas
Sketch your ideas first instead of starting using your favorite design tool. Bring as many ideas as you can, and find the ones that will work best for you.
3. Choose the right canvas
Select the correct size of the canvas to ensure that you will get a layout that will not require any kind of correction as you switch to medium or high fidelity designing tool. In addition, using the wrong density of elements will lead to incorrect visual hierarchy.
4. Select the right elements
You should place elements that are interchangeable, scalable and adjustable on the layout. Use a grid to help do wireframing quickly. A grid system also helps in laying out different elements.
5. Consistency is critical
You should make sure that the UI elements are consistent. The labels, buttons and tabs should have a consistent design. Create reusable symbols and styles to attain the required level of consistency during the process of UI design. The symbols help in speeding up the process and make the design remain consistent.
6. Focus more on flow, not single screens
To make the UI process seamless, focus more on user interactions, instead of individual screens. Designing for flow makes you think of how a certain screen will work with others.
7. designcolours intentionally
Colour is a great tool in the UI design process. It helps design the right aesthetics or can be used to help direct users to some critical elements. As you wireframe, it is recommended that you skip colors. This is important because wireframes developed with color can cause distraction. However, this is not to mean that you should never use colors. If you have to, just use the colors consistently and sparingly.
