UI - User interface design

USER INTERFACE (UI) represents the basic structure and the way an interface is thought in relation to the factors that will influence its main elements and functions. We can talk about UI when we refer to any type of information system based on technology and software whose purpose is to produce a positive experience - to provide a direct result at the moment of triggering, thought according to the needs of the user. This effect based on digital interaction is defined as The User Experience (UX) and it is depended upon the user actions within the digital environment.

Although it is difficult to define exactly the practical contribution of these terms due to the relatively recent statement – ​​approx. year 2005 these sub-categories of web design came to produce new production segments within the international profile companies. Currently, they define exact categories of jobs according to the role of each one, and several types of imperatives can be established that take part in the process of production and launch of a virtual product. (common job platforms list: Product designers, ui designers, ux designers, interaction designers, front-end developers, web designers, art directors, copyrighters, visual designers etc.)

Because these positions generate mixed working habits that are constantly changing, a clear distinction cannot be established between UI design - the study and research on the creation of interfaces and UX design - the effect or experience lived by the user. Thus, the recommended methods, techniques and practices for successful online design can be easily found or fit into both niches. In general UI Design - considered to be closely related to functionality has the role of improving UX - the effect and experience in accordance with the purpose for which the interface is produced.

During the production of websites and virtual applications, UI designers incorporate techniques by which the user is guided in the virtual environment and establishes the steps necessary to obtain a perfect experience. The way the user navigates easily, going through each precise steps and access the information they are committed to, determines the premise of visual interface design.

The main practical methods we use to establish the general functions of an interface and determine the main flow are: sketching (digital or on paper), wireframing (the general layout without details), and producing functional prototypes, animated or partially interactive. Already considered basic steps within successful design companies, they are meant to identify potential bugs, bottlenecks or key points in the user process that additional support can be provided, in regards to the core area of ​​an interface or targeted primary actions. In fact, these techniques favor the ability to focus on functionality at the expense of premature finishing - adding aesthetic details. It is logically recommended to build the internal architecture and establish the functions and the main routes because this stage is one after which the decision can be made to completely change the layout of the interface.

Simplicity, clarity, fluidity and intuitive accessibility are among the characteristics recommended to achieve a successful interface. So UI refers to conscious decisions we make as producers to promote and stimulate a successful navigation of the website we produce.

Similar to the evolution and canonization of programming languages, in an attempt to standardize and produce a common visual language, many online creators develop libraries of elements, kits, "templates", huge collections of images or graphic illustrations, sets of symbols (icons). fonts and even entire guides to establish a common direction and thinking on aspects of the visual representation or functionality of virtual products (GUI – graphical user interface).

Starting from the hypothesis of successful implementations proposed by global companies such as google, apple, facebook, twitter(X), mozilla, amazon etc. it is desired to establish some general practices and a common language regarding the aesthetic valences and practical qualities of these virtual interfaces. According to this hypothesis, it is necessary for all visual designers to consider study the guide launched by google called suggestively "Material Design" or the resources produced by apple – ”Apple Design Resources”.

Personas – the fictional user, scenarios and content

In contemporary ux design one of the research methods approached by producers is the creation of fictitious users – personas – imaginary portraits of potential visitors and target groups to whom the content is relevant. Going forward these fabricated avatars will be assigned various scenarios for navigating the interface.

Information regarding name, age, gender, character details, preferences, motivations and aspirations may be assigned at the time of creation of a made up user.

The purpose of a scenario is to establish the steps and tasks that the user will perform as well as to elaborate the route that will be followed when interacting with the interface. These scenarios can positively influence the type of content and how it will be presented.

By developing multiple scenarios, we can accurately test the basic structure of the interface and make improvements, but also classify actions according to the importance of each micro-structure and function that will be part of the content.

Generally used by large advertising companies, these exercises start from the need to understand and correctly anticipate the way the user will behave when accessing an online platform. In the same framework, real surveys are also used, according to which the wishes and characteristics of the targeted user can be determined more precisely (user data research).

Starting from the premise of producing a functional interface, we must therefore know the intended user – the target audience to which the producer is addressing. It is also important to know what problems is the interface solving - in certain cases, or what information the user wants to access - to determine the easiest process for the user to achieve their goal.