User interface – the key to happy users

A happy client is one that enjoys spending time on your website or mobile app, since this is one of the key factors that will motivate them to buy a product or service, or even become loyal. The concept of user interface (UI) goes hand in hand with user experience. The latter refers to the overall experience a user has throughout the purchasing process, and the former is to do with developing a digital interface using technologies like HTML, CSS, YUI, etc, that aim to be an essential part of a successful user experience.

Who needs a user interface?

When creating a user experience, you need to know your target audience well. You need to know what motivates them, how they act and what their needs are. This information is gathered for the user experience developer, who will provide it to the user interface developer, who in turn will use it to create different wireframes and mock-ups, for which they will consider colours, fonts, and the overall visual design to bring to life a website or mobile app that meets the user’s expectations.

The three user interface formats used are:

1. GUI (graphical user interface): visual representations on digital control panels, e.g. a computer desktop.
2. VUI (voice controlled interfaces): As the name suggests, they are voice-controlled. For example, in smart assistants such as Siri for Apple devices, or Amazon’s Alexa.
3. Gesture based interfaces: 3D design spaces that work through body movements, for example in virtual reality games.

User interface is key to a user feeling comfortable and wanting to stay on a given web site or mobile app. This makes all the difference when it comes to deciding whether they’ll buy the service or product or not.

Therefore, it’s vital that this interface has two basic aspects: that it’s useful and has a pleasant design that is eye-catching for the target audience. A website or app that is easy to navigate and with a nice design will keep clients for longer, improving your conversion rate, unlike confusing interfaces, or ones that put design above function.

Focus on these items to develop a user interface that succeeds in its purpose

A successful user interface design is one that considers the user, their needs, goals and behaviours to guide them through the buying process in the simplest and most user-friendly way possible. Here are some key elements to focus on when creating a UI:

1. Buttons and predictive elements that facilitate user navigation from one screen to another, from one phase to the next.
2. Clear, well-marked items that are easy to find and identify.
3. Simplicity, it should only include the necessary items for the user. This includes buttons, options, visual elements. Also, browsing steps or actions should be kept to a minimum.
4. Eye-catching configuration. While the priority is simplicity and ease of use, the design should not lag behind. The choice of colours, shapes and fonts should be focused on highlighting key elements. But always considering that it should be attractive to the user’s eyes, without becoming a visual nuisance.
5. Brand consistency. Don’t forget that the goal behind UI design is to achieve user conversion and loyalty, so it is important that it clearly distinguishes your brand or company, so that the user knows exactly who you are and what products and services you offer.

A well thought out and well-designed user interface will give your website and app better positioning. It will add to your reputation thanks to the user experience it will help create and, as a result, users will want to return to your site or application.